The State Library of Victoria’s celebrated after-hours series, Salon After D’Arc, returns in 2025 with bestselling author and broadcaster Jamila Rizvi leading four thought-provoking evenings exploring the hidden forces that shape knowledge – from media myths to cultural rituals.
Running from June to October, the program blends panel discussions, live experiments, rare collection viewings, and cocktails in the Library’s iconic Conversation Quarter.
Supported by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and the Women Writers Fund, established to address historical gaps in the Library’s collections, the series continues its mission to amplify underrepresented voices.
“Programs like Salon After D’Arc affirm our role as an active voice for learning, culture, and debate,” says CEO Paul Duldig.
The 18 June opener, Changing Your Mind, tackles misinformation with journalist Sushi Das, Jamila Rizvi, and RMIT’s Gordon Farrer, alongside a truth-testing experiment by comedian Sami Shah. The event complements the Library’s Make Believe: Encounters with Misinformation exhibition.
“I’m thrilled to host a series that explores tough issues with rigour and generosity,” says Rizvi. “These conversations feel both urgent and joyfully unfiltered.”
Upcoming events include Myths, Misdiagnoses and Misinformation (30 July), examining gendered medical gaps; Dreams, Creativity and the Subconscious (10 September); and Divination, Ritual and the Occult (8 October), unpacking supernatural fascinations.
Each evening runs 7–9pm with pre-event collection viewings. Tickets are on sale now at slv.vic.gov.au.
Note: Speakers for later events will be announced soon.
