From a virtual scavenger hunt to insect technology to sexbots - here are some recommendations for umissable events at the upcoming Melbourne Knowledge Week.
Melbourne Knowledge Week is back on again this year with more than 100 events across the city, expanding its list of events to include workshops, cultural exhibitions and special focuses on the health and medical sectors. This year, the week will focus on health and medical, innovation and technology, design and urban planning, community learning and creative culture. Running from May 9 – 15 and with more than 80% of the program being free, here is our list of five unmissable activities at this year’s Knowledge Week.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
The Opening Night
Kicking off narrm ngarru / Melbourne Knowledge Week is a welcome to festival featuring a song and storytelling performance by Jessie Lloyd and Djirri Djirri dancers. Taking place in the State Library forecourt, the dancers will follow a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. The Djirri Djirri dancers are the only Wurundjeri female dance group, with their name translating to Willy Wagtail in Woiwurrung – the language of the Wurundjeri people. Following this will be an exploration of the rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songs and storytelling by social historian, Jessie Lloyd.
The opening night takes place on Monday May 9 from 5 – 6:30pm. The event is free, but you must register to secure your ticket. To do so head here.
A Bug’s (After) Life
Insects are the next big thing in reshaping our global food system and addressing climate change. At A Bug’s (After) Life, you’ll make your way through interactive stations, such as a larvae life cycle station, paired with expert commentary and sound and video content to discover the world of emerging insect industries. Discover new approaches to food waste and innovative technology that utilises natural resources to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
A Bug’s (After) Life is free, no registration required. It’s held at Foy’s Arcade at 6/246 Bourke Street. For more information and times, head here.
Future Sex
Meet Anna-bot, an experiment in human-computer interaction and an exploration of erotic technologies. As part of ongoing research that explores the female voice and aesthetic design, (adult) participants are invited into an enclosed pod where they may customise the personality of an intimate robotic prototype before engaging in conversation with her. Aiming to challenge the preconceived notion of sexbots, Future Sex explores the notion of human/robot connection to promote a technological future with consent, inclusion and safety at its forefront.
Future Sex is free. Please note – this event is for participants aged 18+ only. It’s held at No Vacancy Gallery and Café at Level 3 in the QV Building. For more information, head here.
Musical Monoliths
An instillation and multiplayer game, Musical Monoliths are four musical pillars that stand in the Keith Murdoch Gallery in the State Library Victoria. Representing a different musical instrument, players can stand in front of them, wave their arms or move their bodies to make them light up and emit their musical tone. It can be done solo or with up to four people to create and discover musical harmonies.
Musical Monoliths is free and takes place at the State Library of Victoria. For more information, head here.
QV Melbourne Scavenger Hunt
Perfect for keen puzzle solvers, the QV Melbourne Scavenger Hunt invites participants of all ages to embark on a scavenger hunt throughout QV Melbourne. There’s the chance to win prizes for those who can sleuth their way through the six gameplay locations successfully – truly the perfect way to sharpen your problem solving skills!
The QV Scavenger Hunt takes place throughout QV Melbourne. Participation is free. For more information, head here.
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“We’re bringing the city to life with knowledge, and we’ve got activities for thinkers, innovators and explorers of all ages. Best of all, more than 80 per cent of the program is free,” states Lord Mayor Sally Capp. “We know innovation is critical to ensure Melbourne remains a top destination for investment and employment, and we’re delighted to deliver an event that showcases the world-class experts operating right here on our doorstep.”
“Melbourne Knowledge Week will explore exciting opportunities, tackle challenges and build the skills we need to shape our future – solidifying Melbourne’s status as a University city,” states Education and Innovation portfolio lead Councillor Davydd Griffiths. “We want to support inquisitive minds and encourage learning at all ages, and this event is the ideal forum for our great thinkers and learners to come together to exchange ideas.”
For more information about ticketed and paid events, and the festival in general, head here.
