Closer Look

Australian Museums and Galleries Association Victoria

Closer Look is the podcast that brings you inside the world of museums and galleries across Victoria, Australia. Join your host, Maria Pia Dunne, as she explores the state's most captivating exhibitions and cultural spaces. Maria Pia takes you behind the scenes to uncover the fascinating stories and meticulous work involved in creating these vibrant cultural hubs. With exclusive interviews, insightful commentary, and a deep dive into the art and history that shape our community.

Episodes

  1. Apr 9

    Interview | Dr Breann Fallon and Ariella Markman - Melbourne Holocaust Museum

    Switching to an interview centred model, Closer Look's first episode of 2026 features Dr Breann Fallon (CEO) and Ariella Markman (Special Project Manager) from the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. In this interview, we discuss their new workplace program: The Space Between.  The episode explores museums evolving beyond their traditional roles, stepping up as facilitators of difficult conversations, creating spaces where people can engage with difficult ideas and promote connection and understanding between people.

    26 min

  2. 07/15/2025

    Movement | Is it all smooth sailing?

    In this sixth episode of Closer Look, we delve into the moving image at ACMI and the historic ship Polly Woodside. Both these exhibitions explore the theme of movement in a literal and abstract sense. We speak to Fiona Trigg, Senior Curator at ACMI and Erin Jamieson, Education Coordinator at the National Trust of Australia. Featured in this episode is a look at Arcade Games, Documentary films and life on a ship.  Pollywoodside is open the first and third Sundays of the month, 10.00am to 4.00pm. ACMI is open everyday except Christmas Day, 10.00am to 5.00pm. Hosted and Mixed by Maria Pia Dunne. Thank you to Ciara Griffiths for contributing to a visit to ACMI.Thank you to Ashley Robertson and the larger AMaGA Victoria team for supporting this podcast. The Music in this podcast is by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay.

    20 min

  3. 02/25/2025

    Showtime | How do you show a show?

    In the fifth episode of Closer Look, we delve into the world of showtime by exploring Melbourne Royal's Virtual Museum and the Australian Performing Arts Collection. These collections showcase how stories from various performances and shows are carefully preserved.We speak to Meghan Grech Project Coordinator Heritage at Melbourne Royal as well as Margot Anderson Head of Curatorial at Art Centre Melbourne. Featured in this episode is a look at daredevils, showbags, Dame Nellie Melba and clown shoes.  Melbourne Royal Virtual MuseumAustralian Performing Arts CollectionHosted and Mixed by Maria Pia Dunne.Thank you to Ashley Robertson and the larger AMaGA Victoria team for supporting this podcast.The Music in this podcast is by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay.

    19 min

  4. 12/23/2024

    Family | Who Are Your Family, and Do They Belong? - Part Two

    In this fourth episode of Closer Look and our first two-parter, we explore family and belonging. In this second part, Kav will explore their connection with Fiji through a visit to the Te Pasifika Gallery in Melbourne Museum. We speak to Sione Napi Francis, long-time contributor to the Gallery, and current curator Jade Hadfield. The Te Pasifika Gallery (Tok stori Vikitolia Pasifiki and Te Vainui O Pasifika - Melbourne Museum) is a permanent gallery in Melbourne Museum which is currently closed to the public for redevelopment. Melbourne Museum is open 9am to 5pm daily. Hosted and Mixed by Maria Pia Dunne and Kav P. Thank you to Ashley Robertson and the larger AMaGA Victoria team for supporting this podcast. The Music in this podcast is by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay.

    14 min

  5. 11/01/2024

    Family | Who Are Your Family, and Do They Belong? - Part One

    In this third episode of Closer Look and our first two-parter, we explore family and belonging. In this first part, Maria will explore her own Italian heritage through a visit to Museo Italiano. We speak to Elizabeth Triarico, Manager of the Italian Historical Society and Museo Italiano. Museo Italiano is a permanent exhibition space in the Co.As.It. building, open Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 1pm-5pm, except public holidays. Hosted and Mixed by Maria Pia Dunne and Kav P. Thank you to Ashley Robertson and the larger AMaGA Victoria team for supporting this podcast. The Music in this podcast is by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay.

    14 min

  6. 08/30/2024

    Trees | If a tree falls in a museum who is there to tell its story?

    In this second episode of Closer Look, we explore trees and the natural environment through the Forest Gallery and Churchill Island. We speak to Adam Young, Exhibition Horticulturalist at Melbourne Museum and Andrea Cleland, Community Engagement Officer at Phillip Island Nature Parks. The Forest Gallery is a permanent exhibition at the Melbourne Museum open every day 9am-5pm except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Churchhill Island is open 10:00am – 4:30pm everyday. Hosted and Mixed by Maria Pia Dunne and Kav P. Thank you to Ashley Robertson and the larger AMaGA Victoria team for supporting this podcast. The Music in this podcast is by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay.

    15 min
  7. Nostalgia | What do we remember?

    06/28/2024

    Nostalgia | What do we remember?

    In this first episode of Closer Look, we explore nostalgia through the Joy Exhibition at the Immigration Museum and PMI Victorian History Library. We speak to Ellen Coates, Collections Librarian and Volunteer Coordinator at the PMI Victorian History Library and Rebecca Lal, Experience and Interpretation Manager at Museum Victoria. The Joy Exhibition is on at the Immigration Museum till the 29 August 2025. PMI Victorian History Library is open every day 10am - 4pm except Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Hosted and Mixed by Maria Pia Dunne, Additional Edits were made by Kav P. Thank you to Ashley Robertson and the larger AMaGA Victoria team for supporting this podcast. The Music in this podcast is by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay.

    18 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Closer Look is the podcast that brings you inside the world of museums and galleries across Victoria, Australia. Join your host, Maria Pia Dunne, as she explores the state's most captivating exhibitions and cultural spaces. Maria Pia takes you behind the scenes to uncover the fascinating stories and meticulous work involved in creating these vibrant cultural hubs. With exclusive interviews, insightful commentary, and a deep dive into the art and history that shape our community.

Information

  • Creator
    Australian Museums and Galleries Association Victoria
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Australian Museums and Galleries Association Victoria
  • Show Website
    Closer Look