Bluestone Collection donated to RMIT

Bluestone Collection donated to RMIT

RMIT has been chosen as the new home of the Bluestone Collection of contemporary craft, which will be displayed in the university’s refurbished Carlton Library.

The acquisition is a significant one for RMIT and acknowledges the University’s strong and longstanding commitment to teaching and researching craft practice.

The Bluestone Collection was started 10 years ago by a group of craft supporters, who privately funded the purchases with the aim of building a collection that promotes current Australian craft exhibition practice and fosters critical dialogue.

Alumni Bin Dixon-Ward, an award winning artist and a member of the Bluestone Collection, said it was always the intention to donate the Collection of ambitious works to an institution once it reached maturity.

“The members of the Bluestone Collection are delighted to see the works from our first 10 years of collecting find a permanent at home at RMIT University. More than half of the works in the Bluestone Collection are by alumni or artists currently teaching at RMIT.

“The donation of the Bluestone Collection to RMIT offers the opportunity for future students, researchers and the wider arts community to have access to the 21 pieces of craft, including, ceramics, textiles, metalwork and contemporary jewellery.”

Bin Dixon Ward and Robyn Phelan Bin Dixon Ward (Left) and Robyn Phelan (Right)

RMIT’s Curator, Collections Jon Buckingham said RMIT is honoured and delighted that the Bluestone Collection chose RMIT University as the recipient of their outstanding holding of works by contemporary Australian artists and makers.

“The Bluestone Collection will become an important part of the RMIT University Art Collection, which for more than 120 years has reflected the University’s commitment to cultural history and has served as a resource for education and research,” Buckingham said.

Further links

Bluestone Collection

RMIT Culture

RMIT Art Collection

 

Story: Evelyn Tsitas

18 March 2020

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18 March 2020

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