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November 2008 - Exhibitions & Events

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Exhibitions

 

Studio: Australian painters photographed by R. Ian Lloyd

This inspiring free exhibition celebrates the work of 61 contemporary Australian artists through large-scale colour photographs of the artists in their studios – from city warehouses to outback sheds. The images offer intriguing insights into the creative processes of celebrated artists such as John Olsen, Gloria Petyarre and Gareth Sansom.
Time: 21 November 2008–29 March 2009, 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays)
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Free

The changing face of Victoria

Revisit Victoria's early years, see Ned Kelly’s armour and discover Melbourne stories in this fascinating exhibition.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 5
Free

Mirror of the World: books and ideas

This magnificent exhibition showcases rare, beautiful and historically significant books from the Library’s collections.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 4  
Free

The Cowen Gallery

View works from the Library’s Pictures Collection, ranging from early scenes of Melbourne to contemporary portraits.
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

Beyond the Persona: Eminent Women of Victoria

Portraits of 12 significant, contemporary Victorian women, painted by Melbourne artist Caroline Williams.
Time: Until 1 March 2009, daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery (Blue Rotunda)
Free

The City: A Memory Album

Works on paper by Melbourne artist Peter Lyssiotis, using processes of erasure and layering to create evocative images of cities in ruin.
Time: Until 3 April 2009, daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

Studio: Events & Activities

The following programs complement the Library’s free exhibition Studio: Australian painters photographed by R. Ian Lloyd.

Double take: Inside the exhibition

Join award-winning photographer R. Ian Lloyd and acclaimed art critic John McDonald, the creators of Studio, for a guided exhibition tour and an engaging discussion about artists and their studios.
Time: Fri 21 November, 1–2pm; Sat 22 November, 11am–12noon & 3–4pm
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Book online for Fri 21 November at 1pm
Book online for Sat 22 November at 11am
Book online for Sat 22 November at 3pm
Free

Studio: Exhibition tour

Take a free half-hour guided tour for an overview of the exhibition’s highlights.
Time: Tues 25 & Thurs 27 November, 1–1.30pm; Sun 30 November 2–2.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups: 03 8664 7279)
Free

In the studio, I can see… Fun for kids

Find the hidden teacup and other details in Studio exhibition pictures. Become an artist and create your own self portrait – or draw each other! (For ages 5 to 12.)
Time: 21 November–29 March, daily during Library hours
Venue: Play Pod, Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Other Talks & Events

 

Professor Geoffrey Blainey: Writing Australian history – A few reflections (The 2008 Stephen Murray-Smith Memorial Lecture)

Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC is one of Australia's most significant, popular and sometimes controversial historians, highly regarded for the originality and breadth of his writing. In this lecture, he will reflect on the challenges and changes he has experienced over 50 years of writing Australian history. This annual lecture honours the life and work of Professor Blainey’s friend and colleague Stephen Murray-Smith, academic and founding editor of Overland magazine.
Time: Wed 5 November, 6.30–7.30pm, (refreshments from 6pm)
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $15/$12/$10 (full/concession/Library Foundation members)

Chris Patten: What Next? Surviving the 21st Century

Chris Patten was the last Governor of Hong Kong and is currently Chancellor of the University of Oxford. His new book, What Next? Surviving the 21st Century, focuses on pivotal issues of the moment such as globalisation, energy, international crime, climate change and nuclear proliferation, and considers how we will manage our world in this century. (Presented in association with Reader's Feast Bookstore.)
Time: Tues 11 November, 7.30am for 8am
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 9662 4699 or events@readersfeast.com.au
Cost: $17/$15 (refreshments provided)

A Tale of Two Cities
Edinburgh and Melbourne: UNESCO Cities of Literature
What does it mean for a city to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature? What has this special status meant for Edinburgh since 2004, and what can Melbourne expect? This free public forum will commence with presentations by Alison Bowden, Director of the Edinburgh City of Literature Trust, and Penny Hutchinson, Director, Arts Victoria, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Louise Adler, CEO and Publisher-in Chief, Melbourne University Publishing. Panel members will include Sandy Grant, Chief Executive, Hardie Grant Publishing; Elliot Perlman, writer; Mark Rubbo, Readings Books & Music and board member, Centre for Books, Writing & Ideas; and Jason Steger, Literary Editor, The Age.
Time: Tues 11 November, 6.30–7.45pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7016 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Read more about Edinburgh: the first UNESCO City of Literature >

Read more about Melbourne: the second UNESCO City of Literature >

The Sustainable Cities Round Table on Healthy Cities
How are healthy cities also more environmentally-friendly? This free discussion features international speaker John Whitelegg and a range of experts speaking on topics including carbon-neutral transport, consumption, parks and diet. Presented in partnership with the Australasian Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport (GAMUT).
Time: Wed 12 November, 6-8pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe St)
Bookings: Register your attendance to RSVP@SustainableMelbourne.com by 7 November
Free

Read more about Sustainable Cities Round Table events >

Using iPods in innovative classrooms and libraries

This free presentation will demonstrate the varied uses of the iPod in secondary and tertiary education. It will examine the various iPod models, accessories and applications that can be used to create innovative learning opportunities for students and teachers. (Presented in association with the Australian Library and Information Association.)
Time: Tues 11 November, 9–10am
Venue: Meet at front entrance, 8.55am
Bookings: Not required (inquiries 03 8664 7113)
Free 

Australian Poetry Slam ’08: State final

It’s like mud-wrestling, with words... The search is on for Victoria’s best slam poet – don’t miss this electric live event where the audience is the judge! Hear the state’s top slam poets speak, scream, sing, howl or whisper their original works, competing for a coveted place in the national final. Featuring performances by the Bedroom Philosopher and slam legend Miles Merrill. Drinks available for purchase.
Time: Thurs 13 November, 6.30–9pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $12/$10/$8 (full/concession/Library Foundation members)

Read more about the Australian Poetry Slam >

The Summer Read launch

Don't miss the launch of The Summer Read, the Library's summer holiday reading program for 2008–09. Popular TV personality Alan Brough (from the ABC's Spicks and Specks) will launch the program, and this year's list of 20 great Victorian books will be announced. The Summer Read invites readers to vote for their favourite title from the list and to join in events at Victorian public libraries.
Time: Fri 14 November, 4–5pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Read more about the Summer Read program >

Beyond the Persona: An artist’s talk, by Caroline Williams

Join celebrated artist Caroline Williams in conversation as she discusses her portraits of 12 significant, contemporary Victorian women working in the arts, sciences, academia and social advocacy. (Supported by the Victorian Government Centenary of Women’s Suffrage Grant Program.)
Time: Wed 19 November, 1–2pm
Venue: Cowen Gallery – Blue Rotunda
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7016 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Book now
Free

Exhibiting Melbourne: The city in the museum

Visitors to Melbourne can now interpret the city’s history and culture through a range of galleries and exhibitions, including the City Museum, National Sports Museum, Immigration Museum, the State Library’s exhibition The changing face of Victoria and Museum Victoria’s Melbourne Story. This discussion will feature museologist Linda Young, Professor Graeme Davison and Deborah Tout-Smith of Museum Victoria. (Presented by the History Council of Victoria in partnership with Monash University Institute for Public History and the State Library.)
Time: Thurs 20 November, 5.30–7pm
Venue: Conference Centre (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Not required
Free

Meet author Mem Fox

Meet popular children’s author Mem Fox as she presents her delightful new book, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury), and rediscover the importance of reading aloud to children from infancy. Books will be available for sale – get your copy signed by Mem! (Presented in association with the Young Readers Program developed by the State Library and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.)
Time: Thurs 27 November, 7–8.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online or phone 03 8664 7555
Inquiries: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Tours & Activities

 

Dome Galleries tour

Visit four levels of the great dome, including the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and highlights of the exhibitions The changing face of Victoria and Mirror of the World: books and ideas.
Time: Mon–Fri, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7279)
Free

Ned Kelly’s laptop

Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned’s armour, original photographs and documents, and even the laptop on which Peter Carey wrote The True History of the Kelly Gang.
Time: Tuesdays, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7279)
Free

Sparky Stories: Digital workshop for kids

Free Sunday fun for kids aged 5 to 12! Inspired by illustrated books from the Library’s collection, each child will create a digital picture-book, complete with illustrations and their own narration. Book soon – places are limited.
Time: Sundays, 10am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Storytime for Diabetes

To mark World Diabetes Day, children can enjoy storytime plus an art activity, while parents receive diabetes information from a Royal Children’s Hospital educator.
Time: Fri 14 November, 11am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Play Pod: Fun for kids

The Play Pod is a colourful and kid-friendly space in Experimedia. Get comfy and dip into popular picture-books, view children’s digital art, or borrow an activity pack and make your own book, or a replica of Ned Kelly’s helmet! (Young children should be supervised by an adult.)
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

 
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