About

A centre for art and ideas

The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery acknowledges that it is situated on Whadjuk Noongar land, and that the Whadjuk Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practise their value, languages, beliefs and knowledge.

The first purpose-built university art museum in Australia, LWAG opened on 18 July 1990. Since then it has been committed to critically engaging with different ideas.

Each year we strive to present an innovative and accessible program of exhibitions and events. Our exhibitions feature contemporary and historical art by local, national and international artists, and are accompanied by a dynamic series of events, including lectures, tours, symposia, workshops, film screenings, performances and more. Many exhibitions feature artwork drawn from the University’s collections, including the UWA Art Collection, the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art and the Berndt Museum Collection.

Our program regularly connects to the expertise of University staff and students, sharing their research with the wider community. It also offers a range of opportunities for University staff and students to connect with the gallery, both inside and outside of the classroom. The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery is a vibrant contributor to the State’s cultural life.

Governance

• The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery Advisory Board
• The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery Operations Committee
• Cruthers Collection of Women's Art Advisory Committee

History

The University of Western Australia Art Collection was first given exhibition space in 1973 when the undercroft of the University’s Winthrop Hall was converted into The Undercroft Gallery. It became a vibrant venue for the display of both contemporary and historical Australian and Western Australian art.

During the 1980s the University decided to raise funds for the construction of a purpose-built art museum. It would be the first in an Australian university and would provide museum quality storage facilities for the UWA Art Collection and dedicated exhibition space.

The building was constructed very largely with funds raised from alumni, public and corporate donations, and was designed by Western Australian architect Gus Ferguson. LWAG now houses the UWA Art Collection, the Cruthers Collection of Women's Art and the Berndt Museum Collection.

Friends of Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery

The Friends are an integral part of the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery and provide support for its activities, ranging from the acquisition of new works to providing artistic and technical facilities.

This support is achieved through memberships, donations and fundraising activities.

As a Friend of LWAG (FOLWAG), you will receive:

• information about all LWAG exhibitions, public programs and events
• invitations to openings, private viewings and floor talks, studio visits, art-themed parties and other social events planned to bring you closer to art and the artists, to meet people who share this interest, and most of all to have fun
• discounts at the LWAG Shop
• discounts from our wine sponsor Thompson Estate

Membership of the Friends will make you part of a prestigious gallery in a distinguished university – it will give you the opportunity to share the delight, the work and the growth of the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery with like-minded Friends.

For more information, contact FOLWAG President Antonia Naarstig at [email protected] or Membership Manager Catherine McCloy at [email protected] for details.