Cultural Commons

What we create, value and hold and what collectively helps us to understand what it means to be human.
We do this together and with respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait laws and customs.
Cultural Commons Strategy 2020-2025

The University’s cultural commons shows an enduring relationship with communities of origin and tells a uniquely Australian story. It honors 65,000 years of First People's knowledge, and demonstrates 200 years of engaging with European heritage, generations of migrant stories and a rich blend of contemporary experiences, art and knowledge. Our Cultural Commons includes:

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First Peoples’ collections, including the Leonhard Adam collections from Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Asia, America and Africa and the Donald Thomson collection with artefacts from over 90 communities of origin;

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A historic and contemporary collection of cultural and scientific significance, valued at more than $350m

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Dynamic and enlivening infrastructure at Southbank and Parkville, that adds cultural capital to our city

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A rich and enduring legacy of student theatre and the Melbourne Theatre Company, drawing attendance of more than 250,000 people;