Fifty highlights from the University’s art collection – comprising works of national significance by leading Australian artists – have been curated for this new exhibition in celebration of the University’s Golden Jubilee Year.

“Looking back at the collection revives stories of place, people and context that cannot be fully understood and/or appreciated in isolation,” said curator Rhonda Davis. “Pulling together 50 highlights from the collection in one space was germane to reviewing its history in relation to the present.

The tremendous level of support evidenced from the amount of donations made of major art works from the period of the late 1960s to the present has enriched the collection which now stands as one of great national significance.”

The exhibition looks at the changing and ongoing role of art within a University learning, teaching and research environment. As the story unfolds, a complex interweaving of the personalities involved, and the influence the collection has had on the campus and local community will be retraced through each consecutive decade.

The opening on 4 June was hosted by Faculty of Arts Executive Dean Professor John Simons and officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton to an audience of 80 guests.

The night was a also marked with the recognition of the Museums and Collections Curatorial team on their brilliant efforts for winning the prestigious MAGNA National Award for the previous exhibition Affinities: 7 Museums 50 Objects.

The exhibition will be on display at the University Art Gallery until 11 July. The gallery is open in Building E11A from Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm. A book will be released later this year documenting the exhibition.