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The newly appointed Director of The University of Western Australia's Cultural Precinct, Professor Ted Snell, will outline the future of the precinct when he is guest speaker at UWA Convocation's next meeting.

In his new role, Professor Snell is responsible for overseeing UWA's cultural outreach as well as general collection management for the campus and the University's two principal collections, the Berndt Museum of Anthropology and the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery.

He has made a significant contribution to the Australian visual arts sector, chairing Artbank, the Asialink Visual Arts Advisory Committee, the Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools and currently the Australia Council's Visual Arts Board. He has been a board member of the National Association for the Visual Arts and an arts commentator for ABC radio and television.

Professor Snell has also published several books, was Perth art reviewer for The Australian newspaper and has curated numerous exhibitions, many of which document the visual culture of Western Australia. As a visual artist, he has shown his work in solo and group exhibitions around Australia since 1968.

The lecture, at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, will follow the Second Ordinary (General) meeting of Convocation, the UWA Graduates Association, which starts at 7pm on Friday, September 11. Every graduate of the University is automatically a member of Convocation. The body is involved in many key University programs including funding scholarships.

Mr Simon Dawkins, Warden of Convocation said the decision to develop the Cultural Precinct marked a significant step forward in showcasing the University's major collections and exhibitions.

"This represents a coordinated approach to the University's culturally-based pursuits including the Perth International Arts Festival, UWA Publishing (formerly The UWA Press), University Extension and many concert and theatre seasons," he said.

"The University of Western Australia has a proud tradition of supporting artistic and cultural pursuits within the community of Western Australia and this proposal builds on that tradition. The public are invited to attend the Convocation meeting to learn more about the significance of what the University hopes to achieve by embarking on this exciting venture which will add tremendous value to the artistic and cultural experiences to be enjoyed at UWA."

The meeting is an opportunity to hear reports from UWA leaders on the key activities of the University within the community, nationally and internationally, including reports from UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson, and UWA Student Guild President, Mr Dom Rose.

Mr Dawkins said those wishing to attend could assist arrangements for hospitality which will follow the meeting by sending an RSVP on (08) 6488 3006 or via email to [email protected]

Media references

Simon Dawkins (+61 4) 12 563 388
Daniela Giovannetti (UWA Convocation) (+61 8) 6488 1336