65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art celebrates the brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art while confronting the dark heart of Australia’s colonial history and proclaims the importance of Indigenous knowledge and agency. The exhibition features more than 450 works from the first peoples of Australia, including rarely-seen artworks and cultural objects from the University of Melbourne’s collections, 193 important loans from 77 private and public lenders and six new commissions.
Complementing the exhibition are important educational resources for primary, secondary as well as tertiary students, designed to build a deeper understanding of Indigenous art, history and culture. These educational resources will continue to be available beyond the life of the exhibition. They are developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne’s signature Ngarrngga Project, which builds innovative curriculum resources in collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge Experts.
Curated by Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton AO, Senior Curator Judith Ryan AM, and Associate Curator Shanysa McConville – in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and custodians of art traditions – the exhibition explores the recognition of Indigenous art and its rise to prominence globally.
Publication

65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art
Edited by Distinguished Associate Provost Professor Marcia Langton AO and Senior Curator Judith Ryan AM, the book is a scholarly work offering new insights into the first art of this country. Featuring writing by twenty-five leading thinkers across generations and disciplines, the publication celebrates Indigenous Australian art across time, media and language groups.
Published by the University of Melbourne with Thames and Hudson
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Supporters
Principal Supporters
Peter McMullin AM and Ruth McMullin
Lead Supporters
Peter Jopling AM KC
Publication Partner

Foundational Supporters
Andy and Rainie Zhang
Supporters
John Wardle
Judith and Leon Gorr
Irene Lawson and Brendan Kissane KC
- Banner Image: Betty Muffler (Pitjantjatjara, born 1945), Maringka Burton (Pitjantjatjara, born 1950) Ngangkari Ngura (Healing Country), 2022 synthetic polymer paint on linen 300 × 500 cm The University of Melbourne Art Collection Purchased through the Margaret Cooper Bequest fund, 2022 (2022.003.001)