Celebrating 50 years of art collecting and storytelling at Deakin University

Curated by Senior Manager of the Art Collection, Leanne Willis, and Curator, James Lynch, this survey exhibition is in celebration of the University's 50th anniversary and provides audiences a unique opportunity to explore not only the Collection's origins but also its ongoing development, with the rare chance to see so many treasures from the collection in the one location.

‘The exhibition takes audiences on a journey through the past five decades of collecting with an object representing every year since the Deakin’s inception in 1974,’ Ms Willis said.

Since its humble beginnings, the Art Collection has grown to include over 2,900 objects of contemporary Australian Art with an estimated value of close to $30 million.

Pieces have been selected to mark significant milestones, as well as to honour both emerging and established artists.

The exhibition also celebrates a history of giving to the collection through donations, both direct and through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, as well as special artwork and object commissions that have reflected the changing University community over time.

In conjunction with the opening of this exhibition, the Deakin University Art Collection's online searchable database is now live, allowing you to explore Deakin's permanent art collection at any time.

‘It’s wonderful to take a moment to step back and reflect on how the collection has developed and celebrate all the diverse and interesting stories it contains, Ms Willis said.

Whilst the exhibition is on display, Deakin University students, alumni and staff will be invited to contribute an expression of interest in developing a new artwork commission for display later in the year.

Also in conjunction with the launch of this exhibition, the Deakin University Art Collection can be explored and enjoyed online for the first time. Please follow the link below to discover more: collections.deakin.edu.au/explore

50 Years of Collecting continues until 4 April 2025.

Professor Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University, will officially launch the celebration of the exhibition on Tuesday 18 March at 6pm.

WHAT: 50 Years of Collecting

WHEN: Wednesday 12 Feb to Friday 4 April 2025

WHERE: Deakin University Art Gallery, Building FA, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood

The Deakin University Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and entry is free.