http://www.deakin.edu.au/art-collection/

Deakin Art Gallery, Deakin University Art Gallery, Building FA, Burwood Campus, Melbourne (2026)

29/05/2026

ONE WEEK LEFT TO ENTER!

Entries closing soon at midnight AEST Friday 5 June 2026

Don't miss out - submit your entry into the Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award 2026 today. Follow this link to the entry form and to view the terms and conditions https://deakin.snapforms.com.au/form/2026-deakin-university-contemporary-small-sculpture-award

Thank you to everyone who has already made their submission.

Enquiries by email only to [email protected]

The Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award is organised by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit at Deakin University, Victoria.

27/05/2026

Now showing in the Deakin University Art Gallery’s Virtual Exhibition Space, is a selection of works by First Nations Women from Southeastern Australia.

In recognition of Reconciliation Week 2026, ‘All In’, and to celebrate the wonderful works in the Deakin University Art Collection by First Nations artists, our online, virtual exhibition space is currently showcasing a stunning selection of contemporary artworks by First Nations women from Southeastern Australia.

The exhibition showcases 34 works by 13 artists whose Southern Australian language groups include Palawa, Taungurung, Bangerang, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung, Wadawurrung, Gunditjmara, Wotjobaluk, Djab Wurrung and Jadawadjali.

Featuring artists including Maree Clarke, Hayley Millar Baker, Vicki Couzens, Marlene Gilson, Deanne Gilson and Lisa Waup, the exhibition celebrates and highlights the strength, resilience and cultural knowledge embedded within contemporary First Nations art practice.

Each work is accompanied by extended labels offering rich insights into the artists and their practice. Whether you drop by virtually for five minutes or stay for an hour, we hope you enjoy your visit.

To access the online gallery, please follow the link: https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/15461675/deakin-university-art-gallerys-virtual-exhibition-space-selection-works-deakins?check_logged_in=1

Image 1: Jenna Oldaker, ‘Garrakeen Korr (Scarred Tree)’ 2022, acrylic on canvas, Purchase 2024, Deakin University Art Collection, image © courtesy of the artist and Murrup Art, Ballarat.

Image 2: Screenshot of The Deakin University Art Gallery’s Virtual Exhibiiton Space, May 2026

15/05/2026

Now Open –
দাদার খোঁজে
Finding Dada

We are excited to welcome artist and Deakin graduate Anindita Banerjee back to the Deakin University Art Gallery in a major solo exhibition.

Banerjee graduated from Deakin with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Arts (2016) and also completed her PhD in 2021 with Deakin.

Since graduating Banerjee has established herself as an artist, curator, and public art specialist. In 2025, she was awarded the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Award of Excellence in the Arts, presented by the Governor of Victoria.

Anindita Banerjee describes herself as an interdisciplinary artist and “twice uprooted passenger seat migrant” living on the lands of the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation (Ballarat, Victoria). Her work interrogates ideas of cultural otherness, authentic identity, and the sense of home. This exhibition features photographic portraits of male figures in her life in whom she finds reflections of her Dada’s (grandfather’s) facial features. She overlays these portraits with patterns reconstructed from memories of ritualistic ceremonies and mark-making. While creating these gestural hybrid rituals, she contemplates her place is as an immigrant to the unceded lands of present-day Australia.

দাদার খোঁজে Finding Dada explores these ideas and those of cultural otherness, identity, memory and belonging.

The exhibition runs until Friday 7 August.

The Deakin University Art Gallery is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm (closed public holidays). Located at Building FA, Deakin University Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125. There is free one hour parking along the ovals in close walking distance to the gallery.

Install image of দাদার খোঁজে Finding Dada now open at the Deakin University Art Gallery, May 2026. Photo by Fiona Hamilton

08/05/2026

Thanks to the generous support of Barbara van Ernst (pictured left), ‘The Barbara van Ernst Deakin Art Gallery Internship’ program, is offering students enrolled in the Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies at Deakin University an exciting opportunity to intern with our Unit.

Our first intern for the year, Katie Kilian (pictured right) is almost halfway through her 200-hour placement and has already gained practical experience in cataloguing using the Vernon Collection Management System. Working closely with Art Collection Coordinator, Claire Muir, Katie has been assisting with the cataloguing of the Unit’s historical and contemporary exhibition catalogues.

Reflecting on her time with the team, Katie said: “The experience so far has been invaluable in helping me gain a better understanding of the work that really goes into organising and managing a large collection.”

Katie has also been involved in artwork handling and exhibition installations, providing her with valuable behind-the-scenes insight into exhibition curation and gallery operations.

“The work and experience that I am currently gaining will be crucial as I move into the workplace. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the collections system, while also gaining insight into how a team collaborates and accomplishes tasks together. I am very thankful to have received this placement and look forward to applying my new skills as I pursue work in the museum and gallery sector.”

The Deakin Art Collection and Galleries Unit is currently in the process of selecting its second intern, and applications for a third internship later in the year will open to Deakin University students soon.

For more information about the Master of Culture Heritage and Museum Studies visit Deakin University, https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/master-cultural-heritage-and-museum-studies

For more information about ‘The Barbara van Ernst Deakin Art Gallery Internships’, please contact the Arts WIL team at [email protected].

Thank you to Barbara van Ernst for her invaluable support.

01/05/2026

This month the Deakin University Art Collection and Galleries Unit and the Deakin Sustainability have teamed up to host an ‘Art and Sustainability Walk’ at the Waurn Ponds campus of Deakin University!

This one-hour walking tour will explore the ideas and environmental messages behind a series of large sculptural works positioned throughout the grounds of the campus by artists including Robert (Bob) Jenyns, Geoffrey Bartlett and Gillie and Marc while also highlighting the ongoing work that Deakin is doing to restore biodiversity and support endangered species.

The perfect blend of Art and Science – this is an event not to be missed!

Date: Wednesday 20 May
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216

The tour will depart from under the Deakin Cube, near the Library.

Parking details can be found at www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/locations/campuses/parking.

Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a hat are recommended.

Umbrellas will be available in the case of a light shower.

Participants will be notified if the event is postponed due to bad weather.

To register please use the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/from-growling-grass-frogs-to-rhinos-riding-bicycles-tickets-1985417146130?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Image: Geoffrey Bartlett, Silver Cloud 1995, river red gum and galvanized steel, Purchase 1998, Deakin University Art Collection, image © and courtesy of the artist

24/04/2026

This is the FINAL WEEK of ‘ELK: Luke Cornish’, a retrospective exhibition of more than two decades of work by stencil artist Luke Cornish, also known as ELK.

Cornish is pictured here standing in the exhibition. Behind him is the work ‘The Pity of War’, which won the Gallipoli Art Prize in 2024.

The work references ‘La Pietà’ [The Pity] (1499) by Michelangelo, a sculpture which depicts a grieving Mary holding the broken body of her son, Jesus Christ. It also alludes to the works of renowned English poet and soldier Wilfred Owen (1893–1918), known for his harrowing descriptions of WWI. Owen sadly died just one week before the end of the war; his mother cruelty notified on Armistice Day.

In his artist statement, Corish said: ‘Through this artwork, I endeavour to capture the enduring agony and anguish etched upon the faces of these grieving mothers… Inspired by the timeless themes of sacrifice and loss, [The work] confronts viewers with the devastating human toll of armed conflict, particularly on those left behind.’

Cornish makes works with purpose, and he wants this work to ‘serve as a poignant reminder of the futility of violence and the urgent need for peace, encouraging reflection on the true cost of war and the imperative of compassion and understanding in our world.’
Please note that work in the exhibition features imagery relating to war, religion and social conflict.

The Deakin University Art Gallery is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm (closed public holidays). Located at Building FA, Deakin University Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125. There is free one hour parking along the ovals in close walking distance to the gallery.
l.k

Images: Luke Cornish (ELK) in front of ‘The Pity of War’, 2024, stencil, aerosol paint on canvas, The Gallipoli Memorial Club collection. Photo by Polo Jimenez.
Artwork image courtesy of the Gallipoli Memorial Club and © courtesy of the artist.

21/04/2026

Entries are now open for the 2026 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award. Follow the link in our bio to submit your entry and view the Terms and Conditions.

FAQ

There is no entry fee to enter the Award.

Entry is only open to individuals who are resident in Australia for legal or tax purposes at the time of entry and who provide an Australian residential address. Entries will not be accepted from non-residents or overseas.

This competition is for free-standing sculptures only. The sculpture cannot be hung from a wall or ceiling.

The sculpture must be no more than 70 cm in any dimension, this includes the height, width, depth and diagonal. (This does not include a plinth, or other object that the work may ultimately be displayed on).

The sculpture must be no more than 30 kilograms in weight (including any stand required to support the work).

The sculpture must have been made within 12 months prior to the date of entry.

Online entries only accepted.

Entries close Midnight AEST Friday 5 June 2026.

Further details are available in the frequently asked questions section on our website at deakin.edu.au/art-collection/ or by reviewing the entry form.

Enquires by email only to: [email protected]

The Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award is organised by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit at Deakin University, Victoria, Australia.

17/04/2026

Only TWO WEEKS remaining to see ‘ELK: Luke Cornish’, the first survey exhibition of work by stencil artist Luke Cornish, also known by the street art moniker ELK. Open until Friday 1 May.

With over two decades of experience, Cornish has really pushed the technical possibilities of the stencil method. Through this exhibition audiences can see the progression of his technique and gain a better appreciation for the possibilities of this often overlooked medium.

Cornish’s works can be comprised of up to1,000 stencils and hundreds of layers of paint. With a dedication to his craft and a strong attention to detail he creates photorealistic works with incredible visual depth. This is an exhibition not to be missed!
Please note that work in the exhibition features imagery relating to war, religion and social conflict.
l.k

The Deakin University Art Gallery is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm (closed public holidays). Located at Building FA, Deakin University Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125 there is free one hour parking along the ovals in close walking distance to the gallery.

Image: Artist Luke Cornish (ELK) with his work ‘Father Bob’, 2012, stencil, aerosol on canvas, Bond University Art Collection. Gift of Barry Fitzgerald under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2014. Image and © courtesy of the artist.

05/04/2026

Entries are now open for the 2026 Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award. Follow this link https://deakin.snapforms.com.au/form/2026-deakin-university-contemporary-small-sculpture-award to submit your entry and view the Terms and Conditions. Online entries only accepted. Frequently asked questions are available on our website.

Enquires by email only to: [email protected]

The total prize pool available for entrants in 2026 is $26,000

This consists of:
$15,000 Acquisitive First Prize, supported by Michael and Emily Tong
$5,000 Emerging Sculptors Award non-acquisitive prize
$3,000 Highly Commended non-acquisitive prize, supported by UniSuper
$3,000 People’s Choice Award – non-acquisitive – selected by exhibition visitors

KEY DATES
Online entries close: Midnight AEST Friday 5 June 2026
Artists notified of selection: Friday 17 July 2026

Exhibition of finalists: Monday 24 August to Friday 9 October 2026, at Deakin University Art Gallery, Melbourne Burwood Campus.

The Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award is organised by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit at Deakin University, Victoria.

Please visit deakin.edu.au/art-collection/ for more details.

31/03/2026

New to our YouTube Playlist is an interview with stencil artist Luke Cornish (ELK).

It was wonderful to talk with him about his ideas, influences and process, as well as the progression of his work over the last 20+ years, on show in the current exhibition at Deakin University Art Gallery ‘ELK: Luke Cornish’. He also focused on a few select works, including ‘Kevin McKenzie’, which has recently entered the Deakin University Art Collection.

The exhibition includes significant works from across Cornish’s career, which tackle both personal and social subjects. It traces his career from street artist and muralist to a highly collected gallery artist and prize winner.

Uncover more about the artist and his work in our latest YouTube Playlist video interview which can be accessed via our website.

The exhibition continues at the Deakin University Art Gallery until Friday 1 May.

Please note that work in the exhibition features imagery relating to war, religion and social conflict.

The Deakin University Art Gallery will be closed over the Easter period from Friday 3rd April, reopening on Wednesday 8th April. The gallery is open 10am – 4pm weekdays (closed public holidays).

Located at Building FA, Deakin University Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125 there is free one hour parking along the ovals in close walking distance to the gallery.
l.k

Video: Luke Cornish was interviewed by curator Kira Godoroja- Prieckaerts at the Deakin University Art Gallery, February 2026. Work featured, ‘Kevin McKenzie’, 2025, stencil, aerosol and acrylic paint on canvas, Deakin University Art Collection, purchase 2026. Image and © courtesy of the artist.

Footage of Luke Cornish painting ‘Lost in Mongkok’ by Luke Cornish (ELK) (artist), Omar Musa (music), Lost in Mongkok, 2015, single channel video.
Social Post video by Ben Gurvich, Benzen Video Production

Deakin Art Gallery

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