The art gallery space on the lower ground floor of Rhodes House has been named in honour of Professor Ann Colbourne (Newfoundland & Corpus Christi 1980), in recognition of her tremendous volunteer and philanthropic commitment to the Rhodes Trust. It is the first space in Rhodes House to be named after a woman. Professor Colbourne is one of the Founding Co-Chairs of the Rhodes Society, which oversees our planned giving and bequest giving programmes and is a member of the Trust’s Exponential Potential Campaign Committee which advises and supports the Trust’s fundraising efforts.
In his speech at the event, Interim Warden Professor Sir Rick Trainor remarked: "The art gallery space was originally part of a large, dark and depressing area underneath the floorboards of Rhodes House. It was part of a book, map and artefact store used by the Bodleian, which was eventually moved across to the new Weston library. In considering the future use of this space, it was decided to focus on a large conference and convening centre, a new staff office and this new space celebrating the arts, all completed in 2023. The S. Ann Colbourne Gallery is a central thoroughfare in Rhodes House which staff, Scholars and visitors walk through every single day, it is the heart of the lower ground floor."
On the plaque in the S. Ann Colbourne Gallery, the words include: "Her commitment to hope, innovation and meaningful dialogue keeps building a better world." The space is enjoyed by Scholars, conference delegates, and members of the public through open days and art events. Earlier in September we welcomed 1300 members of the public through the Oxford Open Doors initiative.
Professor Ann Colbourne remarked: "Thank you all for gathering here, in this remarkable space, to share in a moment that is at once deeply personal and magnificently collective. Today, as we dedicate the Ann Colbourne Gallery at Rhodes House, we are not simply unveiling a new room or celebrating a collection of art. We are opening a new chapter in the ongoing story of legacy, creativity, and hope.... Art, in its truest form, asks us to see ourselves and each other anew. It calls us to reflect, to challenge, and to dream. My hope, as we dedicate this gallery, is that it will be a wellspring of inspiration - a place where the courage of our convictions is nurtured, where the challenges of thoughtful reflection are embraced, and where hope is not simply felt, but embodied and shared. "
The S. Ann Colbourne Gallery has been used for a number of exhibitions which can be seen on the Art at Rhodes House webpage. We look forward to the next exhibition which will be by our inaugural Artist in Residence, Rebecca Korang.