The Deakin University Art Collection is a unique and treasured collection of contemporary artworks by some of Australia’s leading artists. The collection reflects the cultural aspirations of Deakin and plays a significant role in creating a welcoming environment on campus, enriching the experience of university life and contributing to philosophical inquiry and creative research.
Marlene Gilson, Possession Captain Cook First Fleet 2017, synthetic polymer paint on linen, Purchase 2017, Deakin University Art Collection. Image © and courtesy of the artist and Martin Browne Contemporary, Sydney.
The collection first came together with artworks from Deakin University’s antecedent institutional collections including the Victoria State Teachers College, Prahran College of Advanced Education, the Douglas McDonnell and others. It now consists of approximately 2400 artworks by over 900 artists.
The collection is comprised of examples of innovative creative practices including achievements in painting, sculpture, print, drawing, ceramic, photography, textiles and includes one of Australia’s largest holdings of artist books. Importantly, it is home to cherished artworks by First Peoples, including many artists that are based in South-Eastern Australia. It also houses artworks by our past and present students and staff, telling a special story of the Deakin University origins and its community.
A selection of important works in the collection are by artists such as: Hoda Afshar, George Baldessin, Gordon Bennett, Uncle Jim Berg, Ronald Bull, Arthur Boyd, Stephen Bram, Maree Clarke, John Cato, Vicki Couzens, Mikala Dwyer, Fayen d’Evie, Robert Fielding, Emily Floyd, Sally Gabori, Simyrn Gill, Aunty Marlene Gilson, Elizabeth Gower, Inge King, Robert Klippel, Hayley Millar-Baker, Sidney Nolan, Lin Onus, John Olsen, Robert Rooney, Mike Parr, Kerrie Poliness, The Ken Sisters, Jenny Watson, Ron Robertson-Swann and Fred Williams among many others.
Maintaining and developing this collection demonstrates the University’s ongoing interest in the study, patronage and advancement of the visual arts in Australia. Acquisition highlights can often be found through our social media.
We are always happy to consider donations from artists and collectors as direct donations or through the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program, please email us for more information. If you have a research or collection enquiry, please contact the Art Gallery team.
Management of personal information
Deakin University manages personal information it holds, including requests by individuals for access to their personal information, in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). Individuals have a right to gain access to their personal information held by the University. Further information about privacy at Deakin may be obtained by contacting the Privacy Officer at (03) 5227 8524 or at privacy@deakin.edu.au.
Personal information of artists
This statement outlines how Deakin University handles the personal information of artists whose works are held by the Deakin University Art Gallery.
Purpose of collection
Deakin University collects an artist's personal information for the primary purposes of acquisition of an artwork, management and maintenance of the University's art collection and for the purposes of exhibiting, interpreting and promoting the artwork, the artist and the Art Collection.
Means of collection
Deakin may collect personal information from the artist directly during interactions with Deakin staff, most often staff of the Art Collection and Galleries Unit. Deakin may also collect personal information from third parties (e.g., artists' agents, owners of artwork, other gallery owners) or publicly available print or online resources.
Use and disclosure
An artist's personal information may be used by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit in preparation of interpretive materials, catalogues and promotional materials, all of which may be in print or online format. For these purposes, an artist's personal information may also be used by other operational units of Deakin (e.g., its Marketing Division).