Dr. Chris Mcauliffe

Biography

Chris McAuliffe is an art historian, art critic, curator, and museum professional. He completed his BA (Hons) and MA at the University of Melbourne and obtained a PhD from Harvard University, focusing on postmodern theory and visual arts. Dr. McAuliffe has taught art history and theory at institutions including the University of Melbourne, Harvard University, and the Australian National University. From 2000 to 2013, he served as the director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne, overseeing a collection that ranges from classical antiquity to contemporary art. He was instrumental in establishing the Basil Sellers Art Prize, the richest art prize in Australia, and has held numerous board positions in the arts sector, including at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Castlemaine Art Museum. His research spans contemporary Australian culture, focusing on artists' engagement with vernacular and popular culture. He has curated significant exhibitions and published numerous articles and books on the subject, including works such as 'Jon Cattapan: Possible Histories' and 'Fringe Famous: Cultural Production and Creative Industries in Australia.' Currently, he leads an ARC Linkage project aimed at mediating controversies in museums and promoting community engagement. McAuliffe continues to be an active voice in contemporary art discourse, participating in various media outlets and advisory roles.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards