An arts philanthropist, collector and former theatrical costume maker, Catriona shared with her husband, Simon Mordant AO, a deep and longstanding commitment to contemporary art and culture.
Catriona’s generosity leaves a lasting legacy through her support for performing and visual artists, new forms of artistic practice and the institutions that bring contemporary art to audiences.
Together, she and Simon sustained a long-term investment in Australia’s presence at the Venice Biennale, including as lead donors to the award-winning Australia Pavilion. Unveiled in 2015, it stands in the Giardini as one of only 29 national pavilions and the first 21st-century pavilion of its kind.
Simon and Catriona Mordant, 2015 Pavilion Opening. Photo by Angus Mordant
Through the Mordant Family, Catriona’s generosity extended to supporting the American Academy in Rome, creating opportunities for Australian artists to further their professional development and to deepen their artistic practice within an international context.
Catriona’s contribution to the arts extends beyond her philanthropy, contributing to arts administration and governance in Australia and abroad, including as a Member of the Tate International Council, as an Art Gallery of New South Wales Foundation Trustee, Member of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia Foundation Board, and having served as a member of the Board of Directors for Queensland Ballet and Sydney Dance Company.
In 2019, Catriona was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to the arts. Together with Simon, she also received the Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Leadership Award, presented in 2010 by the then Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) which later became Creative Partnerships Australia and subsequently merged into Creative Australia.
Wesley Enoch AM, Chair, Australia Council Board of Creative Australia says: "I remember Catriona’s early stories of her youth making tights for the Australian Ballet, already revealing that skilful eye she had for art, fabric and that appreciation of beauty. Her lifelong love and support of arts was deeply felt, and something she shared so generously with Simon and Angus. I can see her considerable contribution across our arts landscape and in the appreciation of so many artists. Thank you."
We remember Catriona with deep respect and gratitude for her generosity and enduring commitment to the arts. Her legacy lives on through the artists and institutions she supported and the opportunities she helped create.
Creative Australia extends its heartfelt condolences to Simon, family and friends, to the Venice supporter community and all who knew her.
Catriona Mordant AM
1957-2026
We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.
We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions. We are privileged to gather on this Country and to share knowledge, culture and art, now and with future generations.
