The establishment of the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation was announced in late March by the University of Melbourne.
Transforming the cultural health of the nation and our region and responding to emerging threats to cultural legacies will be the core focus of the new institute at the University of Melbourne—which will expand upon the pioneering work of the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation.
The new Institute is made possible by the generosity of Minsmere Pty Ltd, as a subsidiary of Cripps Foundation—a deeply engaged partner of and philanthropic donor to the Grimwade Centre for over 25 years.
The Grimwade Centre is a global leader in cultural materials conservation, research and teaching. This gift will enable the critical next phase of its development and help address increasing challenges to the security of cultural heritage, including the climate crisis and related disasters, global conflicts, mass migration and a dearth of vital conservation expertise.
The Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation will bring together the Humanities and Sciences to produce new research that supports individuals and communities to ensure their cultural legacy is available to them and to future generations.
The Institute’s work will be underpinned by the understanding that cultural, archival and scientific heritage are intrinsically linked to community knowledge, well-being, empowerment, equity and cohesion—driving economic, social and educational benefits.
The Institute will educate the next generation of leading conservators, deliver research breakthroughs, work in partnership with Australian First Nations and Asia-Pacific communities to protect and preserve their heritage, and provide expert conservation services to the public.
‘The institute will provide opportunities for future academic and community conservators and their cross-disciplinary collaborators. The Cripps Foundation shares the University of Melbourne’s vision for this new community of scholarship to ensure preservation of and access to art, heritage, archival records, and cultural practices and expression.’ Cripps Foundation Director, Amy Tennent
‘The University of Melbourne thanks Minsmere Pty Ltd, as a subsidiary of the Cripps Foundation, for its generous donation which will advance research, education and conservation services, with a focus on programs for Indigenous, remote, rural and underrepresented communities.’ University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston
University of Melbourne students Zeejay Tan and Chuquing Huang from the Master of Cultural Materials Conservation Program. Image: Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, 2025.
Image: University of Melbourne students Zeejay Tan and Chuquing Huang from the Master of Cultural Materials Conservation Program. Image: Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, 2025.
The Grimwade Centre is keen on talking about this new initiative with any AICCM members who might want to be involved as we build the future of the new Institute. We’ll be posting regular updates in the AICCM Newsletter, but if you would like further information or to talk with staff about specific aspects of the Institute please email: Tim Ould or Penny Tripp.