Maggie Maguire OAM

Champion of arts and culture. Founding CEO who led the transformation of the Abbotsford Convent.

I became famous because all my emails were hot pink, so when they landed in someone’s inbox, they could not ignore them and it worked really well.[1]

Maggie Maguire OAM

Maggie Maguire OAM played a pivotal role in preserving and transforming the historic Abbotsford Convent into one of Australia’s most significant arts and cultural precincts. As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, she led the restoration and redevelopment of the 6.8-hectare heritage site between approximately 2004 and 2010, ensuring its long-term future as a vibrant community hub. [2]

The convent, established in the nineteenth century and closed in 1975, faced an uncertain future before community advocacy secured its preservation.

 Maggie was appointed as the Foundation’s first CEO to guide the complex transition from a former religious institution into a publicly accessible arts and cultural precinct. [3]Her role required balancing heritage conservation with contemporary use, while working closely with government bodies, community organisations, artists, and heritage specialists.

Under her leadership, extensive conservation works were undertaken, and the Convent was carefully redeveloped into a thriving creative community. Maggie oversaw the establishment of studios, galleries, performance venues, educational programs, and community organisations on the site. [4]

Her  vision ensured the precinct remained accessible and inclusive, supporting artists while welcoming the broader public.

Maggie’s hands-on approach and involvement in every aspect of the project strengthened the organisation’s operations and enhanced its impact in the community, leaving a lasting legacy for staff, volunteers, and the people it served. Reflecting on her impact, long-term ACF supporter Michelle Quigley said:

“She was an absolute dynamo. From the time I first met her as CEO, I thought, ‘Who is this woman?’ She was equally capable of dealing with government and politicians, but she’d also be happy enough to be on the gate when necessary.” [5]

Maggie’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the Convent as a place where creativity, heritage, and community intersect. Today, the Abbotsford Convent is recognised as one of Australia’s largest multi-arts precincts and a major centre for cultural activity, education, and community engagement.

Reflecting on her tenure, Maggie said:

“One of the most important achievements during my time as inaugural CEO was proving to Canberra that the site was more than valid for inclusion on the National Heritage List.” [6]

Her leadership and advocacy were instrumental in this process, culminating in the Abbotsford Convent being officially inscribed on the National Heritage List on 25 August 2017 for its exceptional cultural significance, becoming the 111th property on the list. [7]

 During her campaign Maggie said:

“We have always known the convent is unique, special and of national importance… To be on that list underlines and illustrates what an extraordinary asset it is for all of Australia.” [8]

Maggie’s contribution to arts leadership and cultural heritage was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Her legacy continues through programs that support artists and sustain the Convent’s creative community.

Acknowledgement

This Biography was written by Her Place Women’s Museum using the below resources in consultation with Maggie Maguire and Abbotsford Convent

Image: Abbotsford Convent’s first chief executive Maggie Maguire for the Herald Sun, 2016. Picture: Josie Hayden.

Commemoration 

A plaque for Maggie is featured on the exterior of Abbotsford convent, where Maggie Maguire served as CEO of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation from 2005 to 2016, a tenure of 11 years during which she led the site’s transformation and helped secure its National Heritage listing

Maggie Maguire’s contribution is honoured through the Maggie Maguire Residency at the Abbotsford Convent. Established in her name, the residency supports early-career artists by providing dedicated time and space to develop their practice, continuing her commitment to fostering creativity and community connection.¹