Stephen Gilchrist

Dr. Stephen Gilchrist is an Associate Professor in the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia. Belonging to the Yamatji people of the Inggarda language group, his work focuses on Indigenous Australian art curation, sovereignty, and cultural preservation. He holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Sydney (2020), MA from New York University (2011), and BA from the University of Western Australia (2001).

His professional roles include Deputy Director of the Power Institute, Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Group at the Art Gallery of NSW (2018–2022), and Australian Studies Visiting Curator at Harvard Art Museums (2012–2016). He has curated major exhibitions globally, engaging with institutions like the National Gallery of Australia and the British Museum.

Research interests center on Indigenous curation as sovereignty, colonial histories in art, and the intersection of law, art, and politics. He leads the ARC-funded project Yamatji Shields (2024–2027), exploring Indigenous cultural heritage. His writings analyze Kimberley art, Papunya paintings, and Indigenous artistic responses to sovereignty challenges.

Awards and grants include the ARC grant for Yamatji Shields. He collaborates internationally, advocating for decolonized museum practices and Indigenous agency in cultural narratives.