RMIT’s Artothek Collection is helping students to engage with art in a new way.
Imagine visiting a lending library where instead of borrowing a book, you can take home a precious artwork to hang on your lounge room wall.
Thanks to a gift from Dr Christoph Dahlhausen and growing support from our donor community, RMIT students can do exactly that.
Dr Dahlhausen, an RMIT Adjunct Professor of Fine Art, proposed the idea of an art lending library – known as an artothek – in 2020. He donated around 250 of his works on paper to start the collection
Artotheks have existed in Germany, where Dr Dahlhausen is based, since the late 1960s. RMIT’s is the first in Australia to be dedicated to students.
Dr Dahlhausen says he is deeply honoured to have contributed to the program’s establishment. “Experiencing art is close to reading. Having artwork at home opens up the possibility to 'read' slowly and sustainably,” he says.
“I hope that the RMIT Artothek will continue to grow, leading the way while bringing joy and enriching experiences to all.”
Collections Assistant Grace Mooney, who manages the Artothek program.
Based on a membership model, Artothek is only available to current RMIT students. Loan periods are aligned with the academic calendar, offering two loan rounds annually – at a cost of $40 per year – for accepted participants.
Participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis and funds raised from the loans are invested back into the scheme.
Before students take the artwork home, they’re given clear instructions on how to take care of it by collections staff. This includes how to transport it safely, guidance on where and how to hang it, and steps to take if things go wrong. They are also asked to sign a legal agreement that protects both parties.
But the handover is about more than risk management. It is an opportunity for the students to go behind the scenes at a real museum and learn how to handle, pack and display artworks.
Elizabeth Marsden, Manager of Cultural Collections at RMIT, says the program aligns well with RMIT’s reputation for art and design and longstanding commitment to student wellbeing.
“Artothek embodies RMIT’s values of inclusion, imagination, and impact,” she says. “Art is often for the wealthy, but Artothek provides a chance for deeper, authentic art interactions. It boosts student wellbeing and builds trust between the collections staff and students.
“Artothek has also helped RMIT collections staff redefine our purpose. It goes beyond just managing the collections. By putting students first, the program has encouraged greater innovation through discomfort, resulting in a program with measurable social impact that enhances the importance of RMIT’s significant cultural assets and their relevancy to the wider organisation.”
Since its official launch in early 2024, RMIT Artothek has facilitated 22 art loans. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Student Aletta De Jong borrowed Peter Stampfli’s Untitled (no date). “As an interstate student, having an artwork in my home would be difficult to achieve, but the Artothek program has made it accessible,” she says.
Seeing an artwork every day in my home is a different experience than viewing it in a gallery, and I am grateful to experience it.
For Jidapha Wannalee, who borrowed Damien Hirst's Untitled (dots) (no date) the experience was similarly positive. “The Artothek program has meant a lot to me this year,” she says.
“It allows RMIT students to enjoy arts at home, offering numerous benefits like reducing stress, stimulating creativity, and fostering connections with others. It has significantly enhanced the ambience in my space and improved my wellbeing."
The value of the Artothek program has not gone unnoticed. In October, the program won the 2024 Victorian Museum and Galleries Award for 'Small project of the year (Museum)'.
The judges noted: “By fostering deep engagement with art and supporting student wellbeing, the program has opened new opportunities for collections staff and demonstrated a groundbreaking approach to risk management, all while enhancing community engagement and making art more accessible. The program's thoughtful design and strong impact have redefined how cultural assets are shared and appreciated within the University."
Students can choose a work that suits their home environment.
Elizabeth Marsden is confident that Dr Dalhausen’s dream for the program to grow is on track. “Our 2025 Artothek program will see an expanded offering of available works as well as a trial staff program. While our students will always come first, opening up the program more broadly will provide opportunities for staff to enjoy its benefits and contribute to its ongoing development.”
She adds that the collections team are grateful for Dr Dalhausen’s generosity, and the community support the program has received.
“The measurable impact the program has had on student wellbeing demonstrates the importance and wider positive impact RMIT’s art collection has on campus life and student university experiences.”
