We work in partnership with people and their communities to secure the cultural health of the nation and our region, ensuring the survival of critical records and cultural practices.
The establishment of the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation, which will expand upon the pioneering work of the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, was announced in early 2025 by the University of Melbourne.
The Institute will educate the next generation of leading conservators, deliver research breakthroughs, work in partnership with Australian Indigenous and Asia-Pacific communities to protect and preserve their heritage, and provide expert conservation services to the public.
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Six research groups driving impact in cultural, historical and scientific heritage
Material that is well-preserved, secure and authentic is critical for community empowerment, freedom of speech, democracy and institutional integrity. The Cripps Institute aims to develop our capacity to conserve our continuing cultural record. Through conservation research, we enable individuals and communities to explore their past, create identity and community in the present, and access their heritage into the future.
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Our commitment to First People
At the heart of our work is a commitment to partnership and meaningful collaboration, grounded in a First Nations First ethic. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded and approach all research and engagement with respect for the cultural authority, priorities and knowledge systems of the communities we work with. Guided by the principles of the Murmuk Djerring strategy, we aim to build relationships based on trust, accountability and shared purpose, ensuring that our work responds to community-led interests rather than institutional agendas.
Engagement with the community
We prioritise deep, respectful engagement with communities, ensuring their voices guide our work from the outset. Our partnerships are built on shared purpose, transparency and long-term connection.
Research impact
Our research is driven by community-led priorities and aims to create meaningful, lasting change. We work collaboratively to ensure outcomes are practical, relevant and grounded in local knowledge systems.
Teaching and learning
We integrate our research expertise into teaching to create rich, practice-informed learning experiences. Our approach equips students with the skills, confidence and critical understanding needed to contribute meaningfully to their fields.
Support our programs
Support the work of the Robert Cripps Institute by donating to the Warmun Arts Centre - Grimwade Centre Partnership, or the William Snoek Conservation Fund.
In 2014, after the successful program to save the significant Warmun Community Collection after the devastating 2011 floods, the Warmun Art Centre and Grimwade Centre signed the 'Bangariny-warriny jarrag booroonboo-yoo: Two good ideas talking together' Partnering Agreement.
Donations to the Willem Snoek Conservation Fund will be directed to a trust that will support student activities at the Grimwade Centre in the field of heritage conservation. By contributing to this fund you will be helping build an endowment that will support students at the centre for decades to come.
Engage with the Institute
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