Murdoch University Art Collection Board is delighted to welcome award-winning author Josephine Wilson and renowned architect Geoff Warn as the latest additions to its membership.
The Board's newest member, Josephine Wilson, recently accepted an invitation to become the Board’s academic representative. Highly respected, with a national profile within the tertiary sector, Josephine has worked at Murdoch University since 2018, lecturing in creative writing, literary theory, performance studies, and the history of art and design.
Aside from her academic profession, Josephine has forged a distinguished career as an author and poet. In 2005, she published her first novel, Cusp, and in 2016 she published her second highly acclaimed novel, Extinctions, which won the Miles Franklin Award, the Colin Roderick Award and the inaugural Dorothy Hewett Prize in 2017.
In recent years, Josephine has actively engaged with the visual arts community. She was a Board member of Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (2012 – 2018) and has collaborated with artists in writing creative responses to exhibitions held at Fremantle Arts Centre, including Bricolage (2020) and PopPorn (2022).
With her considerable experience and esteemed reputation, Josephine brings a fresh perspective to the Board and is sure to be an integral member in assisting the Art Collection achieve its strategic goals and vision.
Josephine's appointment follows the recent arrival of Geoff Warn who joined the Board as an external representative.
Geoff is a respected professional with renowned creative capability within the architectural and creative communities. He has forged an impressive career of over forty years and is the Founding Partner and Creative Director of With Architecture Studio.
Between 2005 and 2010, Geoff shared his expertise as the Professor of Architecture at Curtin University, and in 2013, he was appointed to the position of West Australian Government Architect. Geoff held this position until 2020, during which he provided strategic advice to the government to enhance the quality of high-profile projects, including Optus Stadium, the WA Museum, Elizabeth Quay, Metronet, and the Apartment Design Policy. Additionally, Geoff was the inaugural Chair of West Australia’s first State Design Review Panel, a member of the Central Perth Planning Committee, and the City of Perth Design Review Panel.
Geoff's notable profile in architectural and creative sectors, considerable experience in championing and commissioning public art, as well as his pre-existing associations with Murdoch as a consultant developing the University’s Master Campus Planning and Capital Works design review processes make him a valuable addition to the Board. In particular, his experience will be invaluable in relation to the integration of artwork commissions within upcoming capital works projects.
Murdoch University is honoured to have these two highly regarded individuals join the Art Collection Board and grateful to benefit from their expertise, advice and guidance.
