ArtsNational

The Pursuit of Perfection: Hendrick Goltzius (1558 – 1617)
2026-03-18 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Sydney)
While no longer a household name, the Dutch artist Hendrick Goltzius was regarded as a titan of printmaking for almost three centuries. To his contemporaries and subsequent generations, Goltzius’ contribution to the development of engraving could not be overestimated. Our journey into his life and oeuvre will include key examples by his hand and those of the workshop he established in Haarlem in the 1580s. With clients all over Europe – from princes to politicians – Goltzius applied his talents not only to his prints but to marketing a signature Goltzius ‘brand’, often in innovative and sometimes cunning ways. Goltzius’ designs would have a long-lasting and far-reaching influence appearing in works of art as far as India and Indonesia
Dates and Locations
Wednesday 18 March 2026 Toowoomba (QLD)
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Igniting the Rainbow: The Dramatic Developments in Colour in Textiles in the 19th Century
2026-03-18 19:30 - 20:30
This vibrant lecture reveals the pace of change, beginning with the last great developments in natural colours at the end of the 18th century. We visit the chief dye scientist of the Gobelins factory in Paris, Michel Chevreul, and explore the impact of the great international exhibitions where new developments were proudly displayed. The discovery of coal tar colours resulted in hundreds of new colours and shades by the end of the 19th century.
Dates and Locations
Wednesday 25 February 2026 Chatswood (NSW)
Thursday 12 March 2026 Molonglo Plains (ACT, NSW)
Wednesday 18 March 2026 Adelaide (SA)
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Pots And Frocks: The World of Grayson Perry
2026-03-19 12:30 - 13:30
Best known for his outlandish appearances dressed as his feminine alter ego, Claire, Sir Grayson Perry is now a core part of the art establishment, a Knight of the Realm, Turner Prize winner, Royal Academician, popular broadcaster and colourful character. Possibly one of the world’s best-known British contemporary artists, his ceramics, textiles, tapestries and prints are highly sought after. Often controversial, he tackles difficult subjects in a poignant yet witty manner and holds a mirror to modern society. This talk will examine Sir Grayson Perry’s work, his exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions, and the unique character inside the flamboyant frocks.
Dates and Locations
Monday 2 March 2026 Mudgee (NSW)
Thursday 5 March 2026 Shoalhaven (NSW)
Thursday 19 March 2026 Paddington (NSW)
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Albrecht Durer: Life, Ego and Afterlife
2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:00
In his day, Albrecht Dürer was a larger-than-life figure. Through the high quality of his woodcutting, and the facility with which printed culture could be disseminated, Dürer became an international success. Not a stranger to a mode of self-fashioning that would sit comfortably in today’s social media channels, Dürer crafted a lasting legacy for his art through his prints, paintings, and copious writing. Yet, the words he wrote – as much as the images he invented – reveal a man in profound search of his identity, especially at a time when social and religious values were in radical flux. Albert traces the artist’s origins in his goldsmith father’s workshop in Nuremberg, his ambitious travels in Italy and subsequent patronage by the Habsburgs.
Dates and Locations
Thursday 26 February 2026 Yarra (VIC)
Tuesday 3 March 2026 Launceston (TAS)
Friday 6 March​ 2026 Brisbane River (QLD)
Saturday 7 March 2026 Gold Coast (QLD)
​Sunday 15 March 2026 Sunshine Coast (QLD)
Saturday 21 March 2026 Rockhampton (QLD)
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The History of Embroidery
2026-03-21 13:00 - 14:30
This talk takes us from some of the earliest embroidery in this country from the 10th century through the height of English work, Opus Anglicanum to the embroidered outfits of our Tudor monarchs through to the seventeenth century when new design ideas arrived from India and China, and new techniques emerged such as raised embroidery, through to the growth in silk shading with the growth in dye shades, then to Berlin wool work in the 19th century and the dawn of art embroidery by the likes of William Morris and Walter Crane in the late 19th century. Finally, we reach the period of embroidery artists in the 20th century including Beryl Dean, Constance Howard and Diana Springall to the artists of today including Mr X Stitch. This lecture shows how much embroidery has changed and stayed the same over the last thousand years.
Dates and Locations
Wednesday 4 March 2026 Geelong (VIC)
Monday 9 March 2026 Murray River (VIC/NSW)
Saturday 21 March 2026 Perth (WA)
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Japonisme: How the East Influenced the Art of the West in the Late 19th Century
2026-03-21 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-03-23 14:30 - 15:30
After Japan opened its doors to Europeans and Americans in 1854 the Japanese also visited the west at the international exhibitions in London, Paris and Philadelphia to show their work. This gave European artists the opportunity to explore the work of Japanese masters of paintings and woodcuts. This lecture shows how western artists from Van Gogh to Walter Crane were influenced by the works they saw from Japan and how they developed their own work as a response.
Dates and Locations
Saturday 21 March 2026 Perth (WA)
Monday 23 March 2026 Margaret River (WA)
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Imperial Purple to Marie Antoninette's Fleas: The Colourful History of Textiles
2026-03-23 12:30 - 13:30
In this lecture, Susan explores the fascinating story of how dyes were discovered, made, and used from the earliest times to the end of the 18th century. Susan will look at the social importance of certain colours including red, blue, and purple. The use of colour in textiles is a story that travels from Europe to India and the Americas; a tale of exploration, invention, war, the church, money, power and sex!
Dates and Locations
Sunday 1 March 2026 Cairns (QLD)
Wednesday 4 March 2026 Geelong (VIC)
Tuesday 10 March 2026 Canberra (ACT)
Monday 16 March 2026 Fleurieu (SA)
Monday 23 March 2026 Margaret River (WA)
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The Brilliance of Brunel: The Man who Built the Modern World
2026-03-23 18:00 - 19:00
British people and visitors to the UK still find themselves amongst the infrastructure created by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 19th century. He changed the face of the British landscape with his ground-breaking projects including railways, bridges, tunnels, ships, and grand buildings such as the magnificent Paddington Station. He merged art with engineering and science and was a pioneer and a revolutionary. And he was brilliant. We’ll look at the man, his background, his work, and his legacy.
Dates and Locations
Wednesday 4 March 2026 Orange (NSW)
Thursday 12 March 2026 Armidale (NSW)
Monday 16 March 2026 Newcastle (NSW)
Tuesday 17 March 2026 Hunter (NSW)
Monday 23 March 2026 Coffs Coast (NSW)
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Underground Cathedrals: The World-Class Art, Architecture and Design of the London Underground
2026-03-24 17:00 - 18:00
The world’s first underground railway has a unique heritage of architecture, ingenious design, powerful advertising posters and unique calligraphy. This talk plots the early development of the Underground, examines the legacy of Frank Pick and Charles Holden, looks at some of the iconic posters, and celebrates the award-winning architecture of the modern Tube in the Jubilee Line extension and the brilliant Elizabeth Line stations, designed by some of the world’s top architects.
Dates and Locations
Tuesday 10 March 2026 Scone (NSW)
Tuesday 24 March 2026 Bowral (NSW)
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Art Deco Style
2026-03-24 18:30 - 19:30
Art Deco burst onto the world stage at the 1925 Paris Exposition, emerging from the shadows of the First World War with a bold new vision. One of the most influential design movements of the 20th century, Art Deco quickly became a global phenomenon—defined by streamlined forms, geometric elegance, and the spirit of the Machine Age. To mark the centenary of this iconic style, join Claudia Chan Shaw for a captivating talk exploring the many facets of Art Deco—its architectural splendour, decorative arts, fashion, and industrial design; from opulent craftsmanship to sleek, mass-produced objects and its lasting legacy.
Dates and Locations
Tuesday 24 March 2026 Scone (NSW)
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Undercover: Australia’s Camouflage Artists of World War Two
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-26 13:30 - 14:30
In this lecture we will discover the secret camouflage artists who helped protect Darwin and Northern Australia when under the threat of invasion. Artistic innovation provided low technology solutions. This is a story of crisscrossing boundaries between art and design, military science, biology and nature.
Dates and Locations
Thursday 26 March October 2026 Yarra (VIC)
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Flappers, Speedos And The New Look – Fashion In Australia in the 20s, 30s and 40s
2026-03-30 18:00 - 19:00
In the 1920s there wasn’t an Australian style in women’s dress. David Jones in 1921 advertised its “modestly priced reproductions and adaptations of Paris fashions.” Almost overnight, the arrival of an economic depression brought a serious tone to society. Women’s hemlines dropped, and the carefree age of the flapper was over. By the time Australia entered the Second World War, the traditional role of women shifted with many joining the Australian Land Army. Rationing was brought in and women were taught to make ‘New Clothes from Old’ and ‘Make Do and Mend’. By 1947 Christian Dior’s New Look had restored femininity to both the fashion industry and women worldwide. While all the fuss was being made about the Parisian fashions, two local designers were quietly paving the way for an Australian look and the beginnings of the Australian fashion industry. Enter Beril Jents and Hall Ludlow. Join Claudia Chan Shaw to discover the story of fashion in Australia from the twenties through to the forties.
Dates and Locations
Monday 30 March 2026 Mudgee (NSW)
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On The Wild Side: Filming Creatures Great and Small
2026-04-01
In this lecture, Pieter will share stories and techniques for capturing extraordinary images for David Attenborough and National Geographic. From playful Macaque monkeys in China to majestic Cassowaries in Northern Australia, He’ll illustrate his presentation with segments from his nature documentaries.

Dates and Locations
Wednesday 1 April 2026 Chatswood (NSW)
Saturday 13 June 2026 Gold Coast (QLD)
Thursday 18 June 2026 Brisbane (QLD)
Saturday 20 June 2026 Rockhampton
Sunday 21 June 2026 Cairns (QLD)
Wednesday 24 June 2026 Toowoomba (QLD)
Friday 26 June​ 2026 Brisbane River (QLD)
​Sunday 28 June 2026 Sunshine Coast (QLD)
Thursday 5 November 2026 Yarra (VIC)
Friday 6 November 2026 Mornington Peninsula (VIC)
Wednesday 11 November 2026 Geelong (VIC)
Wednesday​ 18 November 2026 Tamworth (NSW)
Thursday 19 November 2026 Armidale (NSW)
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The Carrick Fox Dilemma
2026-04-08 18:00 - 19:00
The Carrick Fox Dilemma, revolves around the naming conventions and legacy of Ethel Carrick Fox, a pioneering artist whose works have been celebrated in various exhibitions. Capel’s work has sparked discussions and debates about how artists should be recognized posthumously, particularly in the context of female artists and their contributions to the art world. The dilemma arises from the different ways in which her works have been catalogued and exhibited, leading to questions about the most appropriate name to use for her legacy. Capel’s insights and research have been instrumental in shedding light on the complexities surrounding Ethel Carrick Fox’s identity and the challenges faced by artists in the posthumous recognition of their work.
Dates and Locations
Wednesday 8 April 2026 Orange (NSW)
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Art Nouveau: Ahead of the Curve
2026-04-10 13:30 - 15:00
Popular in Europe and the United States from 1890 – 1910, Art Nouveau was a decorative style that influenced architecture, fine art, illustration, advertising, jewellery, glass and furniture design. It was a new style for the coming century, rejecting the dated, historic references of the past – a “new art”. Join Claudia Chan Shaw for an absorbing look at this most elegant of design movements, celebrating the work of Alphonse Mucha, Louis Comfort Tiff any, René Lalique, Victor Horta, Hector Guimard and more. A lecture full of beauty!
Dates and Locations
Friday 10 April Blue Mountains (NSW)
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Degenerates and Perverts: The 1939 Herald Exhibition on Modern Art
2026-04-11 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-04-13 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-15 19:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:00
In 1939 an exhibition of art came to Australia which became legendary. The 1939 Herald Exhibition of French and British Contemporary Art has been called the single most enlivening event in Australia’s modern cultural development. Opening when Australia was undergoing profound change, not only in art but also socially, this exhibition became the focus for the opposing forces of cultural conservatism and innovation which marked the time. This lecture will examine the many and competing claims made for this exhibition. It will examine how the show was organised and selected, where and how it was displayed in Australia and what reception it received. Finally, it will attempt to evaluate its impact upon Australian art and society, at a time when conservatives were accused of perverting progress and progressives were accused of degeneracy.
Dates and Locations
Saturday 11 April 2026 Gold Coast (QLD)
Wednesday 15 April 2026 Brisbane (QLD)
Thursday 16 April 2026 Brisbane (QLD)
Monday 13th April 2026 Northern Rivers (NSW)
Thursday 23rd April 2026 Sydney (NSW)
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Paddington: The Arts Hub
2026-04-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00
Paddington is possibly Australia’s most loved suburb. It is renowned as an almost intact nineteenth-century precinct. Once shabby and down at heel, by the 1960s it was Sydney’s ‘arts hubs’. How and why did this happen? What makes Paddington so loved by our creatives? How did the galleries start up? By the 1970s the suburb was brimming with artists, writers, musicians, designers, journos and film-makers. We walk by Margaret Olley’s object-strewn studio. We see Paddington inspired textiles and wallpapers. We pass entertainer Jeanne Little and decorator husband Barrie in Paddington St. We look through the window at the antique shops, florists and interior designers of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Lunch at Lucio’s is included (but only via imagery).
Dates and Locations
Sunday 12 April 2026 Cairns (QLD)
Wednesday 15 April 2026 Toowoomba (QLD)
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Sydney In Lockdown
2026-04-13 18:30 - 19:30
Art history is replete with portraits of the good and the great, vistas of great landscapes and stories of great heroism, sometimes true, sometimes imagined. In our own time the story of Australia’s most populous City without people over a two-year period is told by photographer John Swainston in a series of images that start in the country town of Bowral and explore the great buildings of Sydney without people. As the story progresses, we learn of those who worked through, some who survived in business, some who did not. The visual record of the greatest pandemic of the modern age, as well as the return to more normal life, as seen through the eyes of a single photographer, stands unique across the country. There are less than a handful of remaining images from Australia’s previous pandemic of 1918-1920. Here is an extensive series of defining architectural images and striking portraits in our own time, reinforcing the importance of documentary record in an age of otherwise mass voyeurism without considered reflection.
Dates and Locations
Monday 13 April 2026 Murray River (NSW/VIC)
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What Happened To Shakespere's Plays When Women Took The Stage
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00
When Charles II returned from exile in 1660, he reopened London’s theatres after 18 years of Puritan bans. For the first time, women could act on stage, and Shakespeare’s plays were reshaped with French spectacle and style. Some changes were bizarre, others brilliant, but all transformed how audiences saw his work. This lecture, with vivid images, explores how those bold 17th-century experiments influenced Shakespearean drama for centuries.
Dates and Locations
Tuesday 14 April 2026 Hunter (NSW)
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Art Crimes and Heists
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00
The lecture will be addressing some of the world’s greatest art crimes and heists in history. Leigh will delve into the murky world of fakes and forgeries, using his comprehensive, personal experience as both an auction assistant some of Australia’s most reputable Fine Art auction rooms, and as a successful secondary market art dealer, to expose the deceit, immorality & dark secrets of the art industry; from the Crown to the underground, in Australia & abroad!
Dates and Locations
Tuesday 14 April 2026 Launceston (TAS)
Monday 1 June 2026 Mudgee (NSW)
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Travelling The Continent: The Grand Tour in the 18th Century
2026-04-15 10:30 - 11:30
The grand tour was undertaken by many young English aristocrats, focusing on classical education but leading also into different styles of country house decoration and art.
Dates and Locations
Wednesday 15 April 2026 Geelong (VIC)
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Artists In The South Seas
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00
Unrecognised during his lifetime, Paul Gauguin developed his unique style in French Polynesia. Henri Matisse’s Tahitian sojourn, provided the source for his Oceania series. Many early explorer ships such as Captain Cook’s ‘Endeavour’ carried artists who gave the world unique scenes of their contact with indigenous peoples.
Dates and Location
Wednesday 15 April 2026 Tamworth (NSW)
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M C Escher: Master of Illusion
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:00
The work of Mauritis Cornellis Escher has long fascinated the viewer due to its optical illusions. We will see that his work was increasingly inspired by mathematics. Ann Harbers is an independent art historian and lecturer focusing on European and Australian artists. Her current research delves into 17th century Dutch art, and European Art and Decorative Arts. She has published works on collecting, art and science, and lectured widely in Australia, Europe and the USA.
Dates and Locations
Wednesday 15 April 2026 Geelong (VIC)
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On Tour With The Queen: Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand
2026-04-16 14:00 - 15:00
Pieter was the cinematographer for this delightful BBC series, and in this presentation, he’ll be screening and discussing various segments. The documentary aimed to emulate Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip’s extensive 1953/54 Coronation Tour of the Commonwealth. It blended gorgeous archival films with contemporary footage to create a nostalgic time-capsule of that tour.
Dates and Locations
Thursday 16 April 2026 Molonglo Plains (NSW/ACT)
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