USQ Art Collection

The collection originated with Darling Downs Unilink (formerly the Darling Downs Association for Advanced Education) which acquired works from artists who taught at the McGregor Summer and Winter Schools between 1978 and 1991.

Consisting of more than 550 items in the collection, including works-on-paper, painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, textiles, mixed media and ceramics, many of the works are permanently on display on the University’s campuses.

The collection has been added to as funds and opportunity become available and built around the following key considerations. That the works:

• reflect innovative work, and historical and contemporary debates in art such as sustainability
• be of regional significance, either through relevant debates and or by artworks completed by individuals who have a connection to the local communities of Springfield, Fraser Coast and Toowoomba and their surrounds
• promote the work of previous and current staff, alumni, Indigenous and emerging artists.

The collection is owned, insured and funded by the University of Southern Queensland, with support and guidance provided by a management committee internal to the Faculty of Arts. The School of Creative Arts curates the collection, providing guardianship for future generations.

USQ Art Collection items may be borrowed and exhibited on a renewable loan basis. Loan applications are assessed by the Curator, having regard to a range of environmental (temperature, relative humidity and light levels), commercial and security considerations.