Doctor Cave

Report: Shaunnagh O'Loughlin
Photography: Greg Ford

Dr Nick Cave

A doctor with a difference has joined the ranks of Monash University's 200,000 strong alumni. Internationally-renowned musician, filmmaker and actor Nick Cave can now add the title Dr Cave to his eclectic resume after receiving an honorary doctorate of laws.

As it was for the thousands of new graduates before him, the Leonard French window on Monash University's Clayton campus provided a fitting backdrop for Dr Nick Cave.

But while most are there to smile for family photos, this graduate faced multiple flashing cameras and journalists at a media conference with Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins and Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel, and the seasoned performer took it all in his stride.

"That's Dr Cave," he quipped to one inquiring music writer.

Nick Cave's links with Monash began in the late 1970s when he studied for a Diploma of Art and Design (Fine Art) at the Caulfield Institute of Technology, in what is now the Faculty of Art & Design on the Caulfield campus.

He left his studies, primarily in painting, to pursue a music career but said his time at Monash was very important.

"To be involved or even interested in the arts at that time was like swimming upstream. To be in an environment where there were a lot of people talking about art was an incredibly exciting thing," Dr Cave said.

"What I learnt from those conversations was enormous and I've never been in an environment like that since. Back then it was just this generous, diverse exchange of ideas."

Dr Cave said his time at the art school was hugely influential and shaped the rest of his career.

"Art is something that is difficult to teach but you can inspire and there were teachers there who were very inspirational," Dr Cave said.

"My time there was hugely influential; it's where many of my ideas were formed that I still hold today."

Dr Cave was nominated for the honorary degree by the Faculty of Art & Design.

"The Faculty of Art & Design is a community that fosters student creativity and inquiry and, as Nick Cave shows, encourages experimentation and excellence in many artistic spheres. I am delighted that we can call Nick Cave a Monash graduate," said Faculty Dean, Professor John Redmond.

Dr Cave said he was excited when he got the news he would be conferred with the honorary degree.

His wife Susie, twin sons Earl and Arthur, and mother Dawn were all present when he donned ceremonial robes to be conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, recognising his contribution to the creative arts and to raising Australia 's international profile.

As the front man for bands including The Birthday Party and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, he has released more than 20 albums and his unique style has been credited with influencing countless other bands.

"Nick Cave has made a huge contribution to creativity and innovation and it's something that we at Monash University celebrate - people who are not only able to advance science but to advance culture and engage with people from around the world and to be creative in many different fields," Professor Larkins said.

Dr Cave joins an elite list of people to have received an honorary Monash degree in the last 50 years, including author David Williamson (1990), mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary (1985), His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (1981) and former Victorian Premier, Sir Henry Bolte (1967).