Arts Centre Melbourne Mourns Passing of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE

Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Judith Isherwood today expressed the sadness felt at the centre and around the world at the passing of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE today.

An Arts Centre Melbourne Arts Angel, Dame Elisabeth has been a generous supporter for fifteen years. Having made her first donation to the 1987 Annual Giving Appeal, she became a President’s Club Member in 1997 and was made an Honorary Lifetime Member in 2004.

In addition to her financial support, her gift in 1987 of four tapestries designed by Mary Macqueen and woven by the Australian Tapestry Workshop remain in pride of place outside the ANZ Pavilion in the Theatres Building under Arts Centre Melbourne’s landmark spire.

“Dame Elisabeth truly was an Arts Angel in every sense, not just at Arts Centre Melbourne but right across the arts community,” said Judith Isherwood.

“Her boundless passion for the arts and her determination to make a difference was felt by everyone who met her and she will be remembered with admiration and a great deal of fondness as one of Australia’s greatest arts champions.

"Dame Elisabeth will be sadly missed by not only all of us at Arts Centre Melbourne, but by the entire arts community. She was a dedicated, generous and passionate patron of the arts who was to be seen continuing her enjoyment until very recently. There are many, many people whose lives have been touched by this remarkable woman. We may never see her like again.

“On behalf of the Trustees and staff of Arts Centre Melbourne, I extend our deepest sympathies to her family. Dame Elisabeth will be greatly missed.”

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