Western Sydney University (WSU) in Australia has announced an AU$5 million ($3.2 million) gift from the Medich Foundation in support of the university’s new Indigenous Centre of Excellence.

In addition to helping establish the center, the gift will create the Dr. Roy Medich OAM Endowment for Indigenous Arts, Culture and Education, which will support a range of Indigenous-led arts, culture, and education initiatives associated with the center. The university will co-name the major gallery space within the center the Medich Foundation Gallery. Initiatives in the center include the Medich Indigenous Scholarships in support of Indigenous students studying arts, humanities, social sciences, or communications at WSU; an Indigenous artist-in-residence program, facilitating short- or long-term visits by Indigenous artists to the university; and the establishment of an Indigenous art curator position.

“This gift is an important investment in the future of our region. The Indigenous Centre of Excellence will be a vibrant gathering place for Indigenous education, research, and engagement in the heart of Western Sydney,” said WSU vice-chancellor and president Barney Glover. “It will also help promote a more equitable future for First Nations’ people and further build a sense of identity, cultural pride, and social inclusion for local Indigenous communities.”

(Photo credit: Wikimedia/Chris.sherlock2)