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March 2009 – Exhibitions & Events

The Library manages bookings for its free events and programs using an online events management service. The information you provide to register will be stored on servers located in the United States. Find out more about the terms and conditions of this service.

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 offer intriguing insights into the creative processes of celebrated artists such as John Olsen, Gloria Petyarre and Gareth Sansom.
Time: Until 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

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, daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

Studio events

Housing the arts: Finding that studio
Melbourne artists discuss the importance of finding the right studio space, why the CBD is a sought-after location, and the City of Melbourne's Housing the Arts strategy. (Presented in association with the City of Melbourne's Melbourne Conversations program.)
Time: Thurs 5 March, 6–7pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The studio portrait: From Rembrandt to R. Ian Lloyd
Rothko observed that 'all painting is portraiture … and, in a way, all studios are portraits'. The portrait of an artist at work in his or her studio is a time-honoured tradition. Join Andrew Sayers, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, for an insightful overview of the genre.
Time: Thurs 26 March, 6–7pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Talks and forums

 

Get into video games: Forum

Video games are popular among people of all age groups and in a variety of settings. What makes the PS3, Xbox360 and Wii so appealing? What issues do they present for individuals, families and organisations such as libraries, and how can they be used as a force for good? Interact with expert panellists from the Dissecta gamers' network and librarians who use these resources. This forum is part of the Press Play series, which highlights emerging trends in technology.
Time: Tues 3 March, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The Curator's View: Clare Williamson

Join in an engaging 45 minute tour with the exhibition's curator Clare Williamson. Hear fascinating stories about Victorians on vacation - on the beach, at the snow and in the bush.
Time: Thurs 12 March, 11am-12noon
Venue: Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington
Bookings: 03 5975 4395; numbers limited
Cost: $10

Melbourne's marvellous maps

Explore the amazing history of Melbourne through maps from the Library's collection. Discover Melbourne's geology, natural history, human occupation and land use.
Time: Thurs 12 March, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Beside the Seaside: Victorian resorts in the 19th century
Join historian Andrea Inglis, author of Beside the Seaside: Victorian Resorts in the 19th Century, as she outlines the traditions of the seaside holiday. Take an illustrated trip back to the exclusive resorts of Queenscliff, Lorne and Sorrento, and the accessible seaside attractions of St Kilda and Brighton.
Time: Thurs 19 March, 11am-12noon
Venue: Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington
Bookings: 03 5975 4395; numbers limited
Cost: $10

Recording everyday life and 'writing for history': Mass observation in Britain and Australia

How have pioneering approaches to recording everyday lives generated innovative public histories? Dorothy Sheridan, Mass Observation Archive Development Director and Honorary Professor at Sussex University, will discuss the British Mass Observation project and consider the issues it raises in the digital age. Kate Darian-Smith, Professor of Australian Studies & History, University of Melbourne, will respond, reflecting on Australian equivalents to Mass Oobservation. This event is part of the Making Public Histories seminar series, presented in partnership with the Monash University Institute for Public History and the History Council of Victoria.
Time: Thurs 19 March, 5.30–7pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Reader development seminar

At this stimulating session, reader development professionals will discuss current innovations and directions in reading programs for libraries.
Time: Fri 20 March, 9.30am–3.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $180

A short history of progress

The bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth finds the human race at a critical juncture. The formidable problems of climate change, overpopulation, environmental degradation and economic and political crises prompt us to consider whether humanity has reached its evolutionary ceiling: are we are clever enough to get into big trouble but not, perhaps, clever enough to get out? Ronald Wright will discuss questions from his international bestseller A Short History of Progress and his 2004 Massey Lectures, and reflect on what we can learn from the patterns of triumph and disaster that humanity has repeated since the Stone Age. This event is presented in partnership with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
Time: Sun 22 March, 6–7.15pm
Venue: Conference Centre (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Tours & Activities

In addition to the scheduled tours listed, the Library can provide customised tours for groups, covering various Library spaces, exhibitions and collections. For details, call 03 8664 7279.

Dome Galleries tour

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

Ned Kelly's laptop (tour)

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 (except public holidays)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups: 03 8664 7279)
Free

The Summer Read awards

The Summer Read program invited Victorians to choose their favorite from among 20 great Victorian books. Join the celebration as the winning books and voters' prizes are announced.
Time: Fri 20 March, 4pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Music and dance on film

These relaxed Wednesday afternoon sessions are a must for music fans. Enjoy free screenings of classic music and dance performances, from popular musicals to ballet and opera greats.
Time: Wed 25 March, 12–2pm
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required
Free

Digital storytelling workshop

Want to capture your personal story and memories to share with family and friends? This fun, one-day workshop combines storytelling skills with the use of digital tools. Simply bring along some photos and other special objects, and take your story home on DVD. Basic computer skills are an advantage. Key outcomes: understand the technical process of digital storytelling; draft and edit a personal story; create a storytelling project.
Time: Tues 31 March, 10am–4pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Children's Activities

 

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: Sun 1, 15 & 29 March, 10am–12noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

In the studio, I can see…

Find the hidden teacup and other details in Studio exhibition pictures, then become an artist and draw a portrait of yourself or a friend! (For ages 3 to 12.)
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Play Pod, 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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