Murdoch University Art Board Chair Ms Margaret Moore will be stepping down from the position at the end of the year and Murdoch Vice Chancellor, Professor Eeva Leinonen, has invited the Hon Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Constable AM to be the next Chair.
During a two-year tenure at the helm, Margaret watched over some outstanding artwork acquisitions and working closely with the University’s Art Collection Curator and Board, maintained a passionate commitment to strategically develop a collection that is highly respected in the broader community.
It was a period that introduced exciting new initiatives that expanded the Art Collection’s scope such as the 2019 International Creative Visitor Lecture and Program in conjunction with the Fremantle Biennale.
On behalf of the University, Professor Leinonen expressed her gratitude to the outgoing Chair.
“It is with great appreciation that we sincerely thank Margaret for her wise counsel, patient considered advice and work as an exemplary ambassador for the Collection. She brought her significant curatorial experience, festival programming, art collection and gallery management to the role and we have been very fortunate to have had her guiding hand over the last few years.”
Current Deputy Chair Liz Constable will commence her new position in January 2021. A Board member since 2016 and a previous donor to the Collection with her husband Professor Dr Ian Constable AO, Liz’s eminence and vast experience in the political arena has been invaluable in enhancing the reach and profile of the Collection.
For example, she was instrumental in the establishment of the current exhibition ‘Peek’ where 56 pieces from the Murdoch collection are currently on display throughout the walls and halls of Western Australia’s Parliament House. Liz, who becomes the fifth Chair of the MUAC Board has appointed Board member Brandon Munro as her Deputy Chair.
Professor Leinonen welcomed Liz to her new role.
“I have enjoyed working closely with Liz over the last four years. She’s played a pivotal role in ensuring the Collection expands and I’m fully confident that she will continue the fine work of her predecessors in the stewardship of this vibrant growing cultural asset, which has been part of the University’s fabric since its inception.”
As she concludes her time at Murdoch, it’s only fitting to leave the last word to Margaret, who departs this huge 227 hectare canvas that is all the better for both her vision and her eye.
“The great privilege of being Chair of the Murdoch University Art Collection Board is that it deepens your association with the collection, the campus and so many of the wonderful staff and Murdoch supporters who are all equally invested in the role that art plays and its cultural importance to the life of the university.
During my time as Chair it has been especially rewarding to see several major public art commissions brought to fruition that enhance the campus experience. I was also thrilled to help broker and host the Daan Roosegaarde presentation within the International Visitors Program, attracting new audiences and offering students a stimulating association.
Perhaps most significant though is the more regular work of the Art Collection Board, observing at close hand the dedicated and intelligent curatorship that is building what should be regarded as one of the truly significant University Collections of recent and contemporary Australian art. This is reflected in both the expansion and quality of the collection and how this is recognised and substantiated through increasing loans, donations, exhibitions and publications.
It has been a journey shared with exceptional Board members and it is so fitting that two of those will continue as the next Chair, Liz Constable and Deputy, Brandon Munro. It is a joy to leave the Board in such exceptionally capable hands and I know their acumen and energy will help drive all the ambitious aims as Murdoch heads toward a celebratory 50th Anniversary in 2024.”
