A message from the Dean of Arts

Once again it is my very great pleasure to bring you the latest news and events from the Faculty of Arts.

As you will see from this edition, we have enjoyed the company of our alumni and friends at many enriching and exciting activities and events. From an 'in conversation' with celebrated chef and rising media star Alejandro Saravia held exclusively in his new fine-dining restaurant, the Pastuso Cevicheria and Pisco Bar, to a careers event for graduates and recent alumni at the National Gallery of Victoria, the Faculty's rich research and teaching collaborations continue to provide our alumni and students with new and exciting opportunities to engage with us.

As always, the Faculty of Arts is keyed into the heart of the cultural life of the city. This year as in previous years, we have partnered with the Melbourne International Film Festival and the Melbourne Writers Festival, and for the first time with International Council of Museums Conference in its 17th iteration. Many of our staff are deeply engaged and involved in these cultural programs and through our support, our students and alumni can be part of these hallmark events.

A key thread you will see running through this edition is the Faculty's strength in international engagement. From the Graduate Leader's Program, to our many international research projects and linkages, the Faculty connects with institutions, organisations and individuals across the globe.

Indonesia, for instance, is central to our research, teaching and engagement. The Faculty has a growing community of alumni from Indonesia, who have studied degree programs ranging from literature to development studies. The Faculty of Arts is committed to research which has a positive and productive impact on our region and alongside our colleagues in Indonesia, India, China and in many other places, we strive to have a positive impact on the societal and cultural development of our Asia Pacific region.

This year the Faculty launched a new program which will enable us to deepen relationships with our Indonesian colleagues. In addition to existing joint-subjects offered both in Melbourne and through our partner institutions in Indonesia, the program will see an exchange between the Faculty of Arts and Indonesian tertiary institutions facilitated through a visiting researcher program. This will provide our students and the Arts community with opportunities to deepen their ties with our Indonesian colleagues and provide opportunities for new and exciting research endeavours and I look forward to bringing you news and developments as the program unfolds later in the year.

As always, I hope you enjoy this edition of ARTiculation and look forward keeping you up to date with news in the months to come.