July 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
The Cross and the Matrix
A display of evocative works by Melbourne artist Bruno Leti, produced as a result of his Creative Fellowship at the State Library. They include paintings, photographs, prints and an artist’s book, Journal of a Cross.
Time: Until 9 August, daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free
A Panorama of Melbourne
This 12-metre panorama by artist Juan Davila was conceived while he was an Honorary Creative Fellow at the State Library. It traces the evolution of Melbourne’s built environment, from early Indigenous homes through to a futuristic vision.
Time: Until 9 August, daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free
The Independent Type: Books and Writing in Victoria
Turn the pages of Victoria’s literary history, from the first stories to the contemporary scene. This free exhibition celebrates the stories, the voices and the spirit of independence that have made Victoria’s literature unique.
Time: Until 25 October, 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 Independent Type: Events & Activities
The Independent Type tour
Explore the exhibition and discover the stories and the voices of Victoria’s rich and diverse written culture.
Time: Tues & Thurs, 1–1.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups (03 8664 7099)
Free
Book-to-Film Club: The Getting of Wisdom
See Bruce Beresford’s adaptation of Henry Handel Richardson’s autobiographical novel, The Getting of Wisdom, featuring Sigrid Thornton, Kerry Armstrong and John Waters, and discuss the film (and book) over a drink. Headstrong Laura Tweedle Rambotham is sent from country Victoria to a Melbourne boarding school, where fitting in is everything. (1978; PG; courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment)
Time: Thurs 2 July, 6pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Reading by Design
Join designers Trisha Garner, Mary Callahan and Stephen Banham for a lively discussion of directions in Australian book design – from the current passion for typography to the book as a crafted object. This event is presented in association with the State of Design festival.
Time: Thurs 16 July, 1–2pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Book-to-Film Club: Monkey Grip
Watch the adaptation of Helen Garner's 1977 novel, Monkey Grip, and discuss the film (and book) over a drink. Set in inner-city Melbourne, it follows single-mother Nora’s relationships with her daughter and her drug-addicted lover. Features Noni Hazlehurst (who won the AFI Best Actress Award) and Colin Friels. (1982; M; courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment)
Time: Thurs 16 July, 6pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Book-to-Film Club: Romulus My Father
Based on Raimond Gaita’s memoir, and set in 1950s rural Victoria, this film featuring Eric Bana tells the story of a ten-year-old boy and the painful relationship between his Romanian father and German mother. Discuss the film (and book) over a drink. (2007; MA; courtesy of Arenafilm and Footprints Film Pty Ltd)
Time: Thurs 23 July, 6pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Lectures, Talks & Forums
Our Plastic Brains: The 2009 Redmond Barry Lecture, by Professor Frederick Mendelsohn AO
How do ideas and activity affect the brain? Can learning, reading and exercise have a positive impact on our brains and how they perform throughout our lives? In the 2009 Redmond Barry Lecture, leading neuroscientist Professor Frederick Mendelsohn will provide a fascinating insight into how the brain develops and changes. The annual Redmond Barry Lecture honours the life and work of Sir Redmond Barry (1813–80), founder of the State Library of Victoria and a key figure in the development of Australia’s cultural and intellectual life.
Time: Wed 1 July, 6.30–8pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $12 ($10 concession, $8 Library Foundation members)
Free
Press Play: Doing digital storytelling (forum)
Everyone can be a director, editor and publisher! Digital storytelling is increasingly popular as a way of preserving and sharing community and individual stories. This forum will focus on the process of developing a digital story, and opportunities offered by various organisations. Join in the discussion with Helen Simondson, Screen Events Manager, Australian Centre for the Moving Image; and Sara-Jane Smith, Library Learning Officer, State Library of Victoria.
Time: Tues 7 July, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Collection reflection: Zines
Get a glimpse of the fascinating world of ‘zines’, including their creation and distribution, and how they reflect contemporary counterculture. Discover fabulous zines from previous decades, with a Library collection specialist.
Time: Thurs 9 July, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Making migrant histories
What are the challenges in making migrant community histories? Maria Tence, Manager of the Immigration Museum Community Gallery, and public historian Peg Fraser will discuss approaches to working with diverse communities; and community group members, including Patricia Kimtia from the Mauritian community, will reflect on their experience working with the museum. This event is part of the Making Public Histories series, presented in partnership with the Monash University Institute for Public History and the History Council of Victoria.
Time: Thurs 23 July, 5.30–7pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Engaging international students
Victoria’s international schools and offer integrated learning and language packages to thousands of overseas students. What are the challenges in delivering these types of experiences, and what impact is this having on other institutions? Interact with panellists Carol Aeschliman, Independent Learning and E-Learning Coordinator, Swinburne College; Melissa Soh, Research and Development Consultant, Diversity@Work; and Melissa Clare, Acting Director of Studies ELICOS, AMES International.
Time: Tues 28 July, 6–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Shakespeare: Raising the Bard
Get to know Shakespeare old and new at this panel discussion featuring two of Australia’s leading writers for young people. Andy Griffiths collaborated with the Bell Shakespeare Company to produce Just Macbeth, and John Marsden was inspired to write his own take on Hamlet. They will be joined by Tony Thompson, teacher and author of Shakespeare: The Most Famous Man in London, and director and actor Jenny Lovell, who trained and performed at the Globe Theatre in London. Presented by the Centre for Youth Literature.
Time: Thurs 30 July, 7–8.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $15
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
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups: 03 8664 7099
Free
Ned Kelly’s laptop tour
What would Ned Kelly have achieved if he’d had a laptop? Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned’s armour, amazing photographs, original documents and artefacts.
Time: Tues & Thurs, 10.30–11.30am (except school holidays, 29 June–10 July)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required, except for groups: 03 8664 7099
Free
Teenage winter writing week
Calling all young writers! Spend a whole week focusing on your writing, with writer and editor Penni Russon, author of the acclaimed Undine trilogy and Indigo Girls in the Girlfriend fiction series. Hone your skills, experiment and meet a ‘who’s who’ of writing and publishing. Presented by the Centre for Youth Literature. (For ages 13 to 17; limited to 15 places; morning tea provided daily.)
Time: Mon 6 July to Fri 10 July, 10am–1pm daily
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $90
Queen’s Hall: Open House
This is a unique opportunity to see one of Melbourne’s most beautiful 19th-century interiors. Queen’s Hall opened in 1856 and was the Library’s main reading room until the domed La Trobe Reading Room opened in 1913. It was then used as a museum space until 1973, and reopened in 1975 as the Arts, Music and Performing Arts Library. Queen’s Hall was closed to the public in 2003 and still awaits refurbishment. It will be open to the public for one day only, free of charge, as part of Melbourne Open House.
Time: Sun 19 July, 10am–5pm
Venue: Queen’s Hall
Bookings: 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Stage, Screen & Sound
Music & dance on film
Enjoy free screenings of classic music and dance performances, from popular musicals to ballet and opera greats. These relaxed Wednesday afternoon sessions are a must for music fans.
Time: Wed 15 & 29 July, noon–2pm approx
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required
Free
Outside-In Cinema: Crossing the Bridge & Crumb
See contemporary documentaries and animation on the big screen in Experimedia. BYO snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic). On 15 July, Crossing the Bridge (M, 2005, 92 minutes) captures the musical diversity of Istanbul – from rock and hip-hop to classical Arabesque music. On 29 July, Crumb (M, 1995, 119 minutes) explores the work of 1960s underground artist Robert Crumb.
Time: Wed 15 & 29 July, 6.30–8pm approx
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Phone 03 8664 7099, email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au or book online for 'Crumb'
Free
Flashpoint: New writing for theatre
Hear excerpts from winning plays in the 2008 R.E. Ross Trust Playwrights’ Script Development Awards: Return to Earth by Lally Katz, The Orphanage Opera, and Shots by Carly Beth Nugent. The works represent a cross-section of the most exciting Victorian playwrights, both established and emerging. The scripts will be read by outstanding performers, followed by a Q&A session. This is a unique opportunity to participate in the process of developing new theatre.
Time: Wed 29 July, 7.30–9.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7099 or email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Kids at the Library
Super-action storytelling
With storyteller Bernard Caleo, children will discover the Library’s galleries and the amazing stories they tell, then make a creative record of their experience. (For ages 6 to 12.)
Time: Sun 12 July, 11am–12.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Sparky stories: Digital workshop
Free Sunday fun for kids aged 6 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.
Time: Sun 5 & 19 July, 10am–noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Phone 03 8664 7099, email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au or book online for 19 July
Free
Dreamtime stories
Hear Dreamtime stories that have been passed on through many generations, told by a storyteller from the Aboriginal community and followed by an art-and-craft activity. This program marks NAIDOC Week (5–12 July) and gives children an introduction to Indigenous culture.
Time: Mon 6 July, 11am–noon
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
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 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
July School Holiday Program
My type of book
Enjoy a free guided tour of the magnificent exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas to see rare and beautiful books and hear their stories. Followed by an optional half-hour activity, making an illustrated book. (For ages 5 to 12.)
Time: Wed 1 & 8 July, Fri 3 & 10 July, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Put yourself in the story!
In this one-day workshop, learn about famous Melbourne writers and their stories in the exhibition The Independent Type, then put yourself in your favourite story using digital tools, and take it home on DVD. (For ages 8 to 14; each participant receives a copy of the book National Treasures from Australia’s Great Libraries.)
Time: Mon 29 June–Fri 3 July, 10.30am–4pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $40
Ned Kelly for kids
Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned’s actual armour, his Jerilderie Letter and original photographs, and hear amazing stories of the notorious Kelly gang. Followed by an optional half-hour children’s activity, making a replica of Ned’s helmet. (For ages 5 to 12.)
Time: Tues & Thurs 30 June, 2, 7 & 9 July, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
Super-action storytelling
With storyteller Bernard Caleo, children will discover the Library’s galleries and the amazing stories they tell, then make a creative record of their experience. (For ages 6 to 12.)
Time: Sun 28 June & 12 July, 11am–12.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7099, bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free
|
