The Centre is committed to developing and presenting original and creative research and teaching across diverse histories of art, design and material culture. While historically informed, our work addresses a wide range of contemporary debates. It is sustained and enriched by close attention to objects and images, by co-operative relationships with artists and scholars across a range of disciplines, and by active engagement with galleries, libraries, archives and museums. Award-winning authors, curators, artists and teachers, we are active contributors to the Australian and international art worlds. Our research spans a wide range of visual and material culture with an emphasis on cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approaches, and object-based analysis.
 
The Centre delivers courses available to students undertaking undergraduate programs, graduate coursework and graduate research programs across the School of Art & Design as well as the broader university. Our teaching focus is the next generation of curators, critics, art historians and theorists. The Centre offers a dedicated Bachelor of Art History & Curatorship, Master of Art History and Curatorial Studies and a Master of Art History and Curatorial Studies (advanced). Also on offer are higher degree research degrees; Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy in Art History and Theory.