This course balances the historical and theoretical aspects of collections (public, private and corporate) with the practical issues involved. How and why collections are formed; the aesthetic and political assumptions behind collecting policies; how well various collections serve their constituencies are some of the issues that are explored, together with aspects of conservation, storage, documentation and access as they relate to the practical aspects of collection management. Visits are made to various public institutions including state and regional galleries and, where possible, selected private and corporate collections.