Peter Lapsley, the executive director of the Bermuda National Gallery, is standing down from the organisation and moving to Norway with his family.

Mr Lapsley said he had not made the decision lightly, and was sure the BNG would continue to thrive under new leadership.

He said: “After a great deal of consideration, my wife and I have made the decision to move to Norway later this year — where my wife Andrea is from — with our three-year-old son, Finn.

“Unfortunately, making such a move does mean that I must step down from my role as executive director.

“This decision was not taken lightly, as I continue to believe wholeheartedly in the mission and vision of this tremendous organisation.

“My experience with the BNG, working with our incredible team and board of trustees, has been a sincere privilege; not to mention the incredible honour and pleasure it has been working with Bermuda’s artists and other partners in the art and culture community.

“The BNG brings a consideration and fidelity to everything it does that is unparalleled, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during my tenure.

“In the last six months alone, we have opened a world-class international exhibition, held the inaugural City Arts Fest in collaboration with the Bermuda Society of Arts, launched the inaugural BNG Run for the Arts 5k, and created opportunities for professional development with our paid internship programme.

“I have every confidence that the Bermuda National Gallery will continue to thrive under new leadership and a fresh perspective, especially with the team we have in place to support the successful candidate.”