Curtin University Art Collection
The Curtin University Art Collection was established in 1968 with the intention of enhancing both the appearance and educational life of what was then the Western Australian Institute of Technology.
Over the past 50 years the Collection has steadily grown.
The development of the Collection has been made possible through the support of the University community and many of the works held in it have particular significance for people who have lived along-side them during their time at Curtin.
Based on the resources available, and considering its current holdings, the John Curtin Gallery and its Advisory Board are responsible for developing the Curtin University Art Collection and for building on its current strengths.
In doing so the John Curtin Gallery aims to:
- continue to build a comprehensive collection of works by artists, designers and craft practitioners whose practice provides insights into the visual cultures of Australia (with particular emphasis on Western Australia) and the Indian Ocean Region.
- develop a stronger focus, reduce duplication across other public collections in Western Australia and reflect the larger activity and ambition of the artists currently included in the Collection.
- continue to grow as a major public cultural resource and focal point for dialogue and reflection in the community, by building a support collection of ephemera and other specialist research material (such as catalogues and photographs), which elucidate and contextualise art works in the Collection.
- expand site specific art works through the commissioning of works by prominent artists and to maintain works previously commissioned.