June 2008 - Exhibitions & Events

Exhibitions

The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand

Discover the rich beauty of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts at this spectacular free exhibition, featuring treasures from the collections of Cambridge University and from Australian and New Zealand collections.
Time: Until 15 June, 10am–5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays). Please note the following extended hours in the final week: 10am to 9pm Monday 9 June, Tuesday 10 June and Thursday 12 June (not Wednesday 11 June); 10am to 6pm Friday 13 June, Saturday 14 June Sunday 15 June
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Free

The changing face of Victoria

This fascinating exhibition highlights the people, places and events that have shaped life in Victoria over 200 years. Revisit Victoria's early years, see Ned Kelly’s armour and discover Melbourne stories and personalities.
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. See treasures such as Audubon’s magnificent Birds of America, classic children’s books and 1950s pulp crime fiction.
Time: 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Dome Galleries, Level 4
Free

The Cowen Gallery

The elegant Cowen Gallery features a display of 150 works of art from the Library’s Pictures Collection, from early scenes of Melbourne to contemporary portraits.
Time: Daily during Library hours
Venue: Cowen Gallery
Free

The Medieval Imagination: Events & Activities

The following programs complement the Library’s free exhibition The Medieval Imagination: Illuminated manuscripts from Cambridge, Australia and New Zealand.

Exhibition introduction

A free half-hour introduction to the exhibition, giving an overview of themes and highlights.
Time: Tues & Fri 1–1.30pm; Thurs 1–1.30pm & 5–5.30pm; Sun 2–2.30pm (until 12 June)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7279)
Free

Free audio tour

For an expert commentary on the exhibition by curator Margaret Manion, download the audio tour to your mp3 player (or borrow a player from the Library’s front foyer desk).

The Medieval Imagination - a chronicle documentary

Hear key players involved in producing The Medieval Imagination talk about the exhibition in this short documentary film. It features exhibition curator Margaret Manion, the Library's Collections and Access Director Shane Carmody, Library conservator Ian Cox and Christopher de Hamel, of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The film was produced and directed by film-maker Philippe Charluet, of Stella Motion Pictures.
Time: Monday 2 June until Sunday 15 June, every half hour during Library opening hours (except when special events are being held)
Venue: Experimedia
Free

Paint and gold in illuminated manuscripts: Methods and meaning

How were books ‘illuminated’ in medieval Europe? Dr Ursula Betka, Lecturer in Art History at La Trobe University, is a practising artist who has revived the painting and gilding methods used by medieval iconographers and manuscript illuminators. She will discuss coloured pigments, binders and metals in relation to imagery and symbolism.
Time: Thurs 5 June, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au. Please note: this event is now fully booked.
Free

Every book tells a story: Illuminated manuscripts in the State Library’s collection

Visitors to the State Library of Victoria are often surprised by the quality of the Library’s holdings of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts. How did these treasures come to be in the Library’s collection? Shane Carmody, Director of Collections and Access at the Library, will tell some of the stories behind the collection.
Time: Thurs 12 June, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe St)
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au. Please note: this event is now fully booked.
Free

Other Events & 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; call 03 8664 7279)
Free

Movie-making for seniors

Learn new skills and star in your own mini-movie! Bring along your photos and other special objects and tell your story on film, then take it home on DVD.
Time: Mon 2 June, 10am–3pm (with half-hour lunch break)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Whatever happened to the digital divide?

Just a few years ago, many of us were concerned about the ‘digital divide’ – the problem of inequality in people’s access to online services. Hear two key speakers reflect on the issue. Professor Julian Thomas and Professor Denise Meredyth are Director and Deputy Director respectively of the Institute for Social Research at Swinburne University. (Presented in association with the Australian Library & Information Association.)
Time: Tues 3 June, 9–10am
Venue: Meet at front entrance, 8.55am
Bookings: Not required (inquiries 03 8664 7113)
Free

Shaun Tan in conversation

Hear award-winning illustrator Shaun Tan in conversation with Chris Wallace-Crabbe, discussing Shaun’s work, including his new book, Tales from Outer Suburbia. Shaun’s previous books include The Red Tree, The Lost Thing and the acclaimed The Arrival (2006). In 2007 he was named Best Artist at the World Fantasy Convention.
Time: Wed 11 June, 7–9 pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: Gold-coin donation
Free

Flashpoint: New Writing for Theatre

Rehearsed readings of winning scripts from the RE Ross Trust Playwrights' Script Development Awards. Three nights, three plays, three winners.
Time: Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 June, 7.30pm
Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
See our Special Events for more information.
Free

Creative practice and the web

What are the challenges of creating art for the internet? Gillian Raymond, Online Manager at the National Portrait Gallery, will introduce Animated, the gallery’s first online exhibition, which features 14 animated self-portraits. The other speakers are: Animated artist Troy Innocent, Deputy Head (Research) of Multimedia and Digital Arts, Monash University; Adam Nash, recipient of the inaugural Australia Council Second Life artist-in-residency grant; and new-media artist Tim Devine (via video phone).
Time: Tues 24 June, 6.30–8pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The Theatre of War – a public discussion

Tel-Aviv-based playwright and screenwriter Motti Lerner joins theatre historian, director and dramaturge Julian Meyrick in a discussion about the nature of political theatre. The discussion will explore the boundaries of art within a political context and in different environments. Presented by the Victorian Writers' Centre and Tashmadada in association with the State Library of Victoria.
Time: Wed 25 June, 7.15pm for 7.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, LaTrobe Street)
Bookings: Contact the Victorian Writers Centre on 03 9654 9068
Cost: $22, members $18/$15

Tracks of the Aurora Australis: Digital display

In 2005 Alison Lester travelled to Antarctica as an Australian Antarctic Arts Fellow. She sent daily emails, describing her experiences, to homes and classrooms all over Australia, and asked children to draw their visions of Antarctica and send them to her. These remarkable images, projected on the big screen in Experimedia, combine the children’s drawings with Alison’s colours and design work. (Screening is subject to other programs.)
Time: Until 31 August, daily during Library hours (meet Alison Lester on Sun 15 June, 2–3pm)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Performing Arts Screenings

Musical Wednesday: Carmen

Enjoy a free screening of Bizet’s opera in four acts, in a relaxed setting. (Seating is limited, so come early.)
Time: Wed 11 June, 12–2.30 pm
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; call 03 8664 7194)
Free

Outside-In Cinema: Sticky Carpet

Outside-In Cinema presents contemporary music and dance documentaries on the big screen in Experimedia. Sticky Carpet (120 mins) is a raw depiction of Melbourne’s independent music scene, featuring interviews with Ross Knight (Cosmic Psychos), Bruce Milne (Au Go Go Records, In-Fidelity Recordings) and Roland S Howard (Boys Next Door, The Birthday Party). BYO rug and picnic dinner, if you like; drinks are available at the bar. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Wed 11 June, 6.30–8.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Musical Wednesday: Joan Sutherland in Bell Telephone Hour

A series of operatic performances recorded for the Bell Telephone Hour television program between 1961 and 1968, including items from Tosca, Lucia di Lammermoor, Rigoletto, La Traviata and other great operas. A must-see for fans of  La Stupenda! Seating is limited, so come early.
Time: Wed 25 June, 12–1.40 pm
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; call 03 8664 7194)
Free

Outside-In Cinema: The Dirty Three

The Dirty Three pioneered the instrumental rock music scene in Australia with their cathartic, sometimes violent, always spellbinding music. This film (105 mins) tells the story with archival footage and interviews with international luminaries. BYO rug and picnic dinner, if you like; drinks are available at the bar. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Wed 25 June, 6.30–8.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Children’s Activities

Your medieval portrait

Inspired by the exhibition The Medieval Imagination, you can become a medieval knight or lady! Select a costume, then pose for your photo in front of our castle, and take your portrait home.
Time: 10am–5pm daily, until 15 June
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Make a medieval crown or shield

For more medieval fun, younger children can borrow an activity box and follow simple instructions to make their own royal crown, lady’s veil or knight’s shield to take home.
Time: 10am–5pm daily, until 15 June
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Sparky Stories: Digital workshop

Free Sunday fun for kids aged 5 to 12! Each child will create a digital picture-book, complete with illustrations, to take home on DVD. (Limited to seven children per workshop; children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Sundays, 10am–12noon (except 29 June)
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Storytime: Stories with schoolies

At this Sunday morning session, teenagers from Melbourne schools will present entertaining stories for young children, followed by an art-and-craft activity.
Time: Sun 22 June, 11–12.15pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@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 your favourite picture-books, view a children’s digital art display, 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

June–July School Holiday Program

Super-action storytelling!

Hear storyteller Bernard Caleo’s entertaining reading of stories from the Trojan War (the Trojan Horse and Achilles’ Heel) in the morning, then return for a fun afternoon workshop where each child creates a digital picture-book with their own illustrations and narration! Parents must accompany children. (For ages 5 to 12.)
Time: Sun 29 June & Sun 6 July, storytelling 10.30–11.30am, workshop 12–2pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Make a ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’

Make the caterpillar from the famous children’s story The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Just ask for the caterpillar activity pack in the Play Pod. (Young children must be supervised by an adult.)
Time: Mon 30 June–Sun 13 July, 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Really old books!

Enjoy a free, one-hour guided tour of the magnificent exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas to see rare and beautiful books from the Middle Ages to today. Then join in an optional half-hour activity where children can make their own illustrated book.
Time: Tues 1, Thurs 3, Tues 8 & Thurs 10 July, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups: 03 8664 7279)
Free

Sporting heroes: Digital workshop

Kick the winning goal at the Grand Final, or hit the ball for six at the Boxing Day Test! Using their own illustrations and stop-motion animation, children can create a sensational sporting story and take it home on DVD. (For ages 7 to 13.)
Time: Mon 7–Fri 11 July, 10.30am–4pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $40

Ned Kelly’s laptop: Family tour

Visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to discover the story of Ned Kelly. See Ned’s original armour, plus photographs and records from the time, and even the laptop on which Peter Carey wrote The True History of the 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 8 & Thurs 10 July, 1–2pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups: 03 8664 7279)
Free