The ANU School of Art & Design is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Chris McAuliffe to the Sir William Dobell Chair in the Centre for Art History and Theory (School of Art & Design). The Chair is supported by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, in memory of the Archibald prizewinning Australian artist. With a track record as an art historian, museum director and curator, Chris will contribute to CAHAT's teaching and research focus on Art History and Curatorship.

Chris brings to the role his research interests in Australian art and design, as well as American art and creative economies. His recent research includes publications on Mambo Design, contemporary art and soccer, and Robert Smithson. He is currently completing a co-authored monograph Fringe to Famous: Indie and Mainstream Cultural Production in Australia (Bloomsbury) and commencing a monograph on Robert Smithson.

As Professor of Art (Practice-led research) in the School since 2015, Chris has taken a lead role in research strategy, reporting and staff mentoring. This role will continue as he takes up the Sir William Dobell Chair, with a particular focus on the ongoing integration of studio, history, theory and curatorship programs within the School.