Program of Events

Curator’s view: Simon Elliott

Join exhibition curator Simon Elliott, Assistant Director of Curatorial and Educational Services at the National Gallery of Australia, for an insightful overview of Karin Catt’s career and her impressive body of work, which spans the worlds of entertainment, fashion, celebrity and music.
Time: Friday 13 July, 11-11.45am & 3-3.45pm
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Playing the fame game

Celebrity gossip, rumours and buzz are served up daily in the media. How are celebrities created, promoted and consumed? Join media personality Jill Singer for a discussion about the cult of celebrity. Other guests are: celebrity agent Harry M Miller; entertainment reporter and producer John-Michael Howson; comedian and columnist Fiona Scott-Norman; and Kate Halfpenny, Executive Editor of WHO magazine.
Time: Tuesday 24 July, 6.30-7.45pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Tickets: $10/$8

Listen to the panel discussion >

Foundation members’ event

Prior to 'Playing the fame game' (above), State Library of Victoria Foundation members are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks with the guest speakers.
Time: Tuesday 24 July, 5.30-6.30pm
Venue: Conference Centre, Entry 3, La Trobe Street
Bookings: Details as above

Exhibition snapshot: Free tours

Join a free half-hour guided tour to zoom in on a selection of Karin Catt’s signature images and hear some of the stories behind her striking portraits.
Time: Wednesday 1 August, 3-3.30pm, Saturday 1 September, 3-3.30pm, Wednesday 17 October, 6-6.30pm
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Strike a pose! Magazine portraits

The glossy magazines evoke a glamorous fantasy world that's carefully constructed by photographers, editors and stylists. How do these experts shape our views of style, celebrity and aesthetics? Join a panel of insiders for a lively discussion. The speakers comprise Stephanie Wood, Deputy Editor, The Melbourne Magazine; Deborah Thomas, Editor, Women’s Weekly, founding editor of Mode and former editor of Cleo and Elle; Bronwyn Kidd, fashion photographer; Jason Grant, stylist and Melbourne Contributing Editor, INSIDEout and Jane Hutchinson, Melbourne Editor, Sunday Magazine, Herald Sun/Sunday Telegraph. (Presented in association with Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.)
Time: Thursday 6 September, 6.30-7.45pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Tickets: $10/$8

Listen to the panel discussion >

Exposed! Celebrity photographers

Come and hear professional photographers reveal the secrets of their success. Meet photographers Ponch Hawkes, Ben Loveridge and Marc Buckner, who've made their names snapping celebrities, from fashion identities to rock stars. Find out about the pluses and perils of this competitive business, and how upcoming photographers can get started. Session chaired by Jason Smith, Director, Monash Gallery of Art.
Time: Wednesday 17 October, 6.30-8.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Listen to the panel discussion >

Youth program

Fabulous & Famous! Digital photo competition

Want to be a celebrity photographer? Enter the competition to win great prizes in the Years 7-8 and Years 9-10 categories. Your mission is to snap images of fabulous and famous people - or (if Paris Hilton is busy) get your friends to pose as celebrities! Entries are due 18 June-21 October. Enter now!

Famous: Dress to impress!

Think you can outdo Delta and Russell? Create your own celebrity portrait! Choose a costume, select a backdrop, then pose for our photographer and take your portrait home to impress everyone.
Time: 14 July-11 November, 10am-5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Programs for schools

These activities are organised by the Library's Education Program's Unit. Bookings are essential. For full program details, and to book, visit our Education Programs page or contact the Education Programs Unit on 03 8664 7015 or education@slv.vic.gov.au.

Put yourself in the picture!

Students will visit the exhibition to view the impressive range of celebrity photographs, many of which feature a significant background or object that reinforces the subject's identity. Students will then create their own self-portraits, using a gilt-edged frame, backdrops and props to express their own identity. Each student's portrait will be printed, and the class can compile an album to keep. Suitable for Years 5-8.
120 minutes, $8 per student

Famous exhibition tour

Following a tour of the exhibition, students will be asked to consider who the people are behind their images and what their achievements are. They will be prompted to question the power of portraits and the meaning of celebrity, and to analyse styling and presentation techniques in photography. Suitable for Years 5-12.
60 minutes, $4 per student

Famous: Karin Catt portraits: exhibition tour for teachers

This free session introduces teachers to the exhibition and the related programs for schools. An in-depth tour of the exhibition will be followed by complimentary refreshments in the Experimedia space.
Time: Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-7.30pm
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Bookings: Essential (see above)
Free