'Ways of Working': How university museums and collections collaborate within their institutions
Throughout 2025 the Council of Australian University Museums and Collections (CAUMAC) will host events exploring "Ways of Working" and examining the relationship between Australia's university museums and collections and the tertiary education institutions that host them. In a time of profound difficulties for Australia's Higher Education sector we will explore some of the creative and ideal ways that university museums and collections have been used and outline pathways for future collaborations in Australia.
In the inaugural event for the year, join us to explore some of these themes with a curated panel of experts.
The event will consist of a series of lightning talks by colleagues from a range of Australian universities exploring case studies of projects and programs of collaboration. This will be followed by an hour panel featuring representatives of Australian university museums and collections and university administrators who will explore the role of museums and collections within the broader landscape of 21st century Australian higher education.
More details, including presenter details, to come.
This event can be attended in person or by live-stream via Zoom. Registrations essential.
Find out more information about CAUMAC events.
Lightning talks by:
MOD, University of South Australia
Lisa Bailey is a science communicator and Program Manager with experience in cultural institutions both in South Australia and the UK. She is currently Director at MOD. at UniSA – Australia’s leading future-focused museum, provoking new ideas at the intersection of science, art and innovation.
John Curtin Gallery, Curtin University
A/Prof Susanna Castleden is Director of the John Curtin Gallery at Curtin University. Susanna is an accomplished artist, lecturer, writer, and HDR supervisor, and was previously Dean of Research in the Faculty of Humanities. Her award-winning artwork is held in numerous public collections, and she maintains a strong track record of engagement across the creative industries and tertiary education sector.
RMIT
Elizabeth Marsden leads RMIT University’s Cultural Collections team, including RMIT’s Design Archives, the Australian Film Institute Research Collection, and the University Art Collection. She is a member of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMAGA) National Council and current Chair of the Museum Accreditation Programs Advisory Committee (AMAGA Victoria). Elizabeth is a dedicated museum professional with over two decades experience in collection management, preventative conservation and sustainable practice. She has worked for a variety of regional and metropolitan arts organisations and consulted for community museums in The Netherlands between 2001-2006.
University of Canberra
Zora Pang is the current Collections Coordinator at University of Canberra since late 2023. She approaches this work through the lens of her creative practice as a community-driven artist who is curious about finding new ways to (dis)organise and collaborate.
Museum of Antiquities, UNE
Dr Bronwyn Hopwood is a classicist and ancient historian who is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education at the University of New England and Manager of UNE’s Museum of Antiquities (UNEMA) which has just reopened recently after a major four-year renewal project.
Panel Discussion:
Rose Hiscock is the Director Museums and Collections at The University of Melbourne. She has held national leadership roles within collecting and cultural institutions, and her career demonstrates a strong focus on interdisciplinary practice. She was previously CEO of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse Museum), Executive Director, Arts Development at the Australia Council and held roles at Museums Victoria. Rose is committed to building an accessible, inclusive and thriving arts sector and is a Board member of Back to Back Theatre, the Melbourne Art Foundation and Chair of Science Gallery International.
Dr Paul Donnelly is Deputy Director of the CCWM in charge of curatorial and exhibitions. He has worked in curatorial roles at various levels for 30 years and has published widely. His current exhibition ‘Micro-Macro’ is on level 4 of the Museum. He has a PhD in Mediterranean archaeology and continues to excavate in Jordan, and also Greece where he is co-director of the University’s Zagora excavations on Andros.
Header image: David James
