In 1995, the University of the Sunshine Coast purchased its first artwork establishing the beginnings of what would become the University of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection. This acquisition was Sower asking spirits to bless the seeds 1995 by Zimbabwean artist Nicholas Mukomberanwa (1940–2002) and was symbolic of the ambitions of the fledgling institution.
The purchase of art so early in our history also represents how art has been valued and woven into the fabric of UniSC from the beginning. From the commissioning of major outdoor artworks to the integration of existing holdings into new building projects, the presence of art across our network of campuses—from northern Brisbane to the Fraser Coast—has been a priority.
UniSC actively acquires for the collection. We have a strong commitment to collecting artworks by Australian artists that have been made within the lifetime of UniSC (1996 onwards), Queensland artists with a focus on works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and by artists who have a connection to UniSC and its regions.
At over 1000 works, our collection is the largest public collection of art on the Sunshine Coast and has been greatly enriched through the generosity of many individuals. Major donations and bequests have included the John Mainwaring Collection in 2012 and the Arija and Richard Austin Bequest in 2015.
Works are made available for loan to galleries and museums across Australia for exhibitions.
Access to our Collection
We are working towards enhancing online access to our collection for students, staff, researchers, gallery and museum professionals, writers, and our community.
For the moment you can enjoy a sample of works from our collection by following the links below.
Contact
For further information about our collection, loans or image reproduction, please contact us.
Michael Cook
Australia born 1968, Bidjara
Stickman 1 2011
Inkjet print on paper, 40.0 x 100.0cm
University of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection. Acquired in 2018. Donated through the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program by Michael Cook.
Courtesy of the artist and Andrew Baker Art Dealer, Brisbane
John Mainwaring Collection
In 2012, John Mainwaring generously donated 81 artworks from his private collection to UniSC via the Cultural Gifts Program.
Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori
Australia c.1924-2015, Kaiadilt
All the fish in the sea 2005
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 420.0 x 195.0cm
University of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection. Acquired in 2012. Donated through the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program by John Mainwaring.
© Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda/Copyright Agency, 2020
Photo: Mick Richards
On display
UniSC Moreton Bay
Foundation building
Ground floor, outside the Auditorium
Arija and Richard Austin Bequest
In 2015, Arija Austin bequeathed the Austins’ personal art collection of over 200 works to UniSC.
Jeffrey Smart
The stadium II 1978
Australia, Italy 1921-2013
Oil on canvas, 59.5 x 94.0cm
University of the Ssunshine Coast Art Collection. Acquired in 2015. Arija and Richard Austin Bequest.
Photo: Carl Warner
Central and Western Desert Art
Since 2002, UniSC has acquired a large number of works from the Central and Western Desert regions of Australia.
Esther Giles Napitjinpa
Australia 1948-2019, Pintupi
Untitled 2012
Synthetic polymer paint on linen, 183.0 x 244.0cm
University of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection. Acquired in 2016. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gift Program by Craig Edwards, in recognition of the tireless efforts of Jan Edwards, teacher and mother
© Naata Nungurrayi/Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd
On display
UniSC Sunshine Coast
Building H1
Ground floor
Made within our lifetime
We prioritise collecting Australian art made within the lifetime of UniSC (from 1996 onwards).
Leonard Brown
Australia born 1949
They now go naked from the waist up 2008
Oil on Belgian linen, diptych, 102.0 x 204.0cm (overall)
University of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection. Acquired in 2019. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Leonard Brown.
© Leonard Brown
Photo: Mick Richards
Connected to our regions
UniSC is committed to acquiring works by recognised artists who have a connection to UniSC and our regions.
Lawrence Daws
Australia born 1927
Range landscape 1976
Oil on board , 76.0 x 91.5cm
University of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection. Acquired in 2013. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Lawrence Daws.
© Lawrence Daws
Photo: Carl Warner
On display
Thompson Institute
Level 2
Art outside
There are many opportunities at UniSC to engage with art in the natural environment.
Bianca Beetson
Australia born 1973, Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Waradjuri
Feast of Bon-yi (Feast of Bunya) 2014
bronze
University of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection. Commissioned in 2014.
© Bianca Beetson
Photo: Lachie Millard
On display
UniSC Sunshine Coast
Building E
Buranga Garden