ACU arts hub launches

AUSTRALIAN Catholic University has launched a new regional arts and humanities hub in Ballarat.

The centre will be led by Ballarat-based ACU historian associate professor Benjamin Mountford and allow the university to expand its industry research partnerships and increase community connections.

Mr Mountford encouraged anyone who is interested in the humanities or returning to study to see what the centre has to offer.

“Some of the programs and short courses and events we’ll be running might be a great chance to sort of find out what’s going on and to learn about some of the more interesting areas of the arts and humanities that are being studied and to share people’s stories,” he said.

The centre, which was launched last month, builds on ACU’s PhD program which allows students to collaborate on research projects with organisations like the City of Ballarat, the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Sovereign Hill.

“History and culture are really important to our economy and who we are as a town,” said Mr Mountford.

“The new centre at ACU is designed to encourage new research and study of Ballarat’s past, and also the ways in which Ballarat’s art, it’s culture, the rich lives that we live here, and the history of the city can make it a better place to live in the present.”

ACU executive Dean, faculty of education and arts, Professor Mary Ryan said the centre has a focus on industry engagement.

“We are a national university with the resources to establish a world-class research hub that consolidates our strong ties in Ballarat,” she said.

“At ACU, we see the value of the arts, humanities and social sciences every day on our campuses, and the communities they are part of.

“We are excited to work with a host of industry partners in Ballarat on exciting research and engagement projects that will add enormous value to the local community.”