The University of Queensland and art followers throughout the community will enjoy the legacy of the University Art Museum’s Director, Mr Ross Searle, Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay, AC, said today.
Professor Hay said Mr Searle, who is leaving at the end of April after more than 11 years of service, presided over an era of unprecedented growth and development of the University Art Museum, housed in the stunning new James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre.
“This new gallery, built with the generous assistance of The Atlantic Philanthropies, opened in 2004,” Professor Hay said.
“It provides security and climate control to the highest standards, and has received three awards from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for adaptive re-use of an existing building.
“The collection now comprises more than 2,500 works, and is Queensland’s second-largest public art collection (in terms of both value and quantity) after the Queensland Art Gallery.
“It includes significant works by major Australian artists from the colonial era to the present, as well as the exquisite Nat Yuen Collection of Chinese antiquities. A particular focus is a national collection of Artists’ Self Portraits, the only collection of its type in Australia, which Ross began building from the exhibition that opened the James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre.
“The museum has hosted many significant exhibitions and collaborated with national institutions including the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It has led the way in developing an enviable program of exhibitions and public events, and attained a national reputation.
“I thank Ross personally, and on behalf of the University, for directing an art museum which is an exceptional public and university asset.”
Professor Hay said UQ will farewell Mr Searle with a function on the evening of April 20.
The University has begun an international search for a new director.
Media contact: Fiona Kennedy (07) 3365 1088 / 0413 380 012
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