To reflect on the Art Collection’s uniqueness and steadfast development on this milestone occasion, it’s important to consider the indisputable influence of the University’s foundational values. 

Murdoch University has, from its inception in 1974, been a university of difference. Established as Western Australia’s second university, Murdoch has always been associated with creative thinking and fresh perspectives, the environment, conservation and sustainability, respect for First Nations people and their culture, as well as social justice, diversity, and inclusion for all. 

These values have been an enduring source of inspiration for many of the Collection’s artwork acquisitions from the 1970s up until the present day. 

Where it began

An act of generosity inspired the foundation of Murdoch University Art Collection. To commemorate Murdoch University’s inauguration in 1974 a series of artworks were gifted by several individuals. The most notable was a suite of eleven works received between 1974-75 from prominent collector and philanthropist, Dr Harold Schenberg. Enthused by this patronage, the University’s Senate formed an Art Acquisitions Committee to establish an art collection in 1975. 

Professor Geoffrey Bolton was appointed Chair and the University’s Library was given responsibility to catalogue and manage the Collection. Through the 1970s and 1980s the Collection advanced through purchased and donated artworks by distinguished artists including Charles Blackman, Robert Juniper, Lloyd Rees and Tjapaltjarri Tim Leura. 

By the mid-1990s, the Committee acknowledged the need for professional arts administration and appointed the Collection’s first curator on a part-time basis. By 1997, the Art Acquisitions Committee disbanded to make way for an advisory board. The inaugural Chair of Murdoch University Art Collection Board was highly regarded curator, John Stringer and the new Board’s membership featured representation from the visual arts industry. The Board observed curation and management of the Collection and provided the Vice Chancellor with strategic counsel. In 1999, the Board implemented its first acquisitions policy and aimed to develop and maintain a distinctive art collection of the highest calibre. 

In 2002, the University commissioned an independent review of the Collection that offered several recommendations for its ongoing development. Two key recommendations were to increase resources and appoint a full-time art curator. The review received a favourable response and resulted in the appointment of Mark Stewart as the Collection’s first full-time curator in 2004. 

The Collection also received increased funding to support operations and acquisitions, as well as a greater position in the University’s priorities. This outcome was a significant turning point in the ongoing development of the Collection, as it provided opportunity for increased expansion through major artwork purchases, public art commissions, and a greater emphasis on donor relations and events. 

In 2006, a major curatorial review of the Collection’s holdings was undertaken and opportunities for future expansion were identified. As a result, the acquisitions policy was revised and a new strategy for acquiring Indigenous art was adopted. The Collection undertook substantial growth during this period with the tactical acquisition of a wide range of art by nationally recognised artists. 

Following his retirement from the role of Director of the Art Gallery of Western Australian, Alan R. Dodge AM accepted an invitation to join the University’s Art Collection Board in 2008. Alan became Board Chair the following year and under his leadership, emphasis was given to strategic planning and developing a national donor network. In addition, several highly successful fundraising campaigns for targeted art acquisitions were realised and a record numbers of quality artwork donations made over consecutive years. 

In 2016, the University introduced a public art strategy in which one percent of the budget for all capital works projects is dedicated to purchasing or commissioning artwork for public display in new buildings. In recent times, the most significant project to utilise the strategy was Boola Katitjin in which a suite of digital artworks was acquired by purchase and commission in 2022.  Now in its fiftieth year, the Art Collection continues to flourish with an ever-expanding scope of visionary activities and projects to ensure that it remains embedded into the physical and cultural fabric of our campus.

Feature photo: The first piece acquired into the Murdoch University Art Collection. "Untitled Portrait" by Lorna Higgins, embroidery on silk, 26cm x 20cm. Donated by Mrs Rix Weaver 1974.