65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art reveals the importance and brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and knowledge while confronting the brutality of Australia’s colonial history. The exhibition features more than 400 works, including rarely seen Indigenous works of art and cultural objects from the University of Melbourne’s collections.

Curated by Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton AO, Senior Curator Judith Ryan AM, and Associate Curator Shanysa McConville – in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and custodians of art traditions – the exhibition explores the belated recognition of Indigenous art and its rise to prominence globally.