A dynamic and unique force in Australian art, Kiffy Rubbo was director of the Ewing (later the George Paton) Gallery, at the University of Melbourne Student Union, 1971-1980. For the first time, her major role in Australian visual culture as well as her legacy are explored. Her curatorial strategies and the narratives she proposed about contemporary art are investigated together with the Gallery’s radical agenda. With Meredith Rogers, assistant director (1974-1979), Rubbo devised an innovative and inclusive program presenting a wide range of artforms. Under Rubbo’s leadership, the Gallery became a vital, nationally recognised venue, the first institutionally supported experimental art space.
The symposium will begin with a keynote ‘Kiffy Rubbo, Women Curators and Australian Art Galleries’ by Frances Lindsay AM on Friday 29th August.
This lecture will consider the achievements of Kiffy Rubbo and her legacy within the context of other women curators whose creative leadership has contributed significantly to the vibrancy of Australian art galleries today.
Frances Lindsay AM is one of Australia’s most experienced art museum professionals with a record of strategic leadership and curatorial vision. She transformed Melbourne University Gallery into The Ian Potter Museum of Art (1984-2000), then joined the the National Gallery of Victoria as Deputy Director (2000 - 2014).
Speakers at the symposium include:
Micky Allan, Carolyn Barnes, Sandra Bridie, Janine Burke, Bridie Carter, Peter Cripps, Domenico de Clario, Rachel Fensham, Elizabeth Gower, Grazia Gunn, Lyndal Jones, Shaune Lakin, Anne Marsh, Jill Orr, Matthew Perkins, Meredith Rogers, Anna Rubbo, Stelarc, Peter Tyndall.
Date: Friday 29th (7-8pm keynote)and Saturday, 30th August 2014 | 9.00am - 5.00pm
Venue: Theatre A, Elisabeth Murdoch Building, The University of Melbourne, PARKVILLE VIC 3010
Free but registration essential - register here for the Symposium and here for the Keynote.
Enquiries: Contact Amanda Morris at aust-centre@unimelb.edu.au or 9035 5280.