Installation image 'Time and Tide' (2017) by Mic and Tim Gruchy. Exhibition 'Dissolving Worlds' (2023) Griffith University Art Museum, 6 April to 3 June 2023.

Is Griffith considering closing the Griffith University Art Museum?

Thank you to everyone from within and outside the Griffith University community who responded to the consultation process around the potential closure of the Griffith University Art Museum (GUAM) and its replacement with elements of the Griffith Film School.

Over the three weeks of the consultation, we heard from a wide cross-section of the arts community in Australia and internationally who spoke about the way in which they valued GUAM as part of the arts ecosystem. We also had very constructive feedback from staff and students of the Queensland CAD about the way in which GUAM is integral to the teaching and research of Queensland College of Art and Design (QCAD), but also opportunities to create deeper connections and greater value going forward.

We are deeply grateful to Mr Darren Dougan, founder and CEO of Sarazin who has generously offered to provide free accommodation for the Film School in return for recognition as a major supporter of GUAM. We have also engaged with a group of friends and alumni who are prepared to raise an additional $100,000 towards the cost of running GUAM in 2024.

These generous supporters will allow us to extend our consideration of the future of GUAM for at least an additional twelve months, allowing us to keep faith with the exhibitions which were already scheduled for 2024.

During this twelve month period, there will be a review of GUAM to examine how it can continue on a sustainable basis and one that creates additional value for students and for members of the broader community as well as the arts community. This pause allows time for a considered reduction in costs and to allow supporters to work on additional sources of financial support from philanthropy, sponsorship or government.

We are grateful to those who engaged so constructively in this process to help produce solutions to a very difficult situation. It has been gratifying to hear the high regard in which GUAM is held in the arts community and the fact that people have been prepared to come forward to show practical support is even more appreciated.