2021 Cunningham Dax Collection Show
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Creature Comfort
Humans have an important and timeless relationship with animals. Whether it is an appreciation for the majesty of wild creatures or the unconditional love of a furry companion, animals can be a wonderful source of support for our mental wellbeing.
Artists across the millennia have shown their appreciation for animals – ancient Egyptians honoured cats through painting, mosaics, sculpture and more, while the famous Lascaux Cave art in southern France gives an insight into how essential animals were to Palaeolithic culture. Devotion to our four-legged friends is abundant in modern art, with Picasso, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney all dedicating many hours to portraying their beloved ‘sausage’ dogs.
The Cunningham Dax Collection’s rich source of animal imagery show that many artists with lived experience of mental health issues also found animals to be deserving of their artistic attention. Creature Comfort is our way of saying thank-you to our non-human supporters for their love, companionship, beauty and inspiration.
Guided Gallery Tours
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Join us for a guided tour of the Creature Comfort exhibition
Learn about the artworks in the exhibition and the stories of those who created them.
Tours run once a month on a Friday. The tours goes for 30 minutes, you are welcome to enjoy the exhibition at your own pace after.
There is a cafe onsite and the number 19 tram stops directly out front of The Dax Centre.
Group sizes are limited so bookings are required.
We welcome your $5 donation to attend the tour
Art-making Workshops
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Creature Comfort - Exploring Connection
An afternoon of art making, self-care and connection!
As part of our current exhibition Creature Comfort join Bec Knaggs in The Dax Centre studio for a relaxed afternoon of art making, self-care and connection.
These experiential workshops are an opportunity to develop & explore our connection with the animal realm, using art making, healthy self-expression and self-reflection as a tool for ongoing personal mental health and well-being.
More workshop dates for 2021 to be announced soon!
Gallery Open
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You are welcome to view our exhibitions during gallery opening hours, there is no need to book and entry is free.For groups and guided tour enquiries please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find out more about our learning programs
Gallery open hours:
Wednesday to Friday - 11.00am to 3.30pm
Sunday, every last of the month - 12.00pm - 3.00pm
30 Royal Parade, Parkville
30 Royal Parade
Kenneth Myer Building
University of Melbourne
Parkville Vic 3010
+61 3 9035 6610
Open from 4 August 2021
Wednesday to Friday
11.00am to 3.30pm
Sunday
Last of each month
12.00pm to 3.00pm
The Dax Centre acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country. The Dax Centre values diversity. We are committed to proving a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
© The Dax Centre. All rights reserved.