Closer Look Podcast

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 they explore the state's most captivating exhibitions and cultural spaces. The team at AMaGA Victoria 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.

This podcast is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We acknowledge and pay respect to the Elders of all the Nations of Victoria, past and present.

The music in this podcast is by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay.

Previous episodes

  • Showtime (February 2025)

    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. 

    Hosted 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.

  • A graphic promotional image for a podcast titled 'Closer Look' by A MaGA Victoria. The design features a split image of a vintage ornate mirror on the left and a pointillist style portrait of a woman's face on the right, with a color gradient from light cream at the top to orange at the bottom, and bold text overlay.

    Family Part Two (December 2024)

    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.

  • Artistic illustration for the podcast 'Closer Look' by AmAGA Victoria, featuring a partially visible, detailed black-and-white face of a woman next to an ornate framed mirror, with a background split into a cream top half and an orange bottom half, displaying the podcast title in large white letters.

    Family Part One (October 2024)

    In this third episode of Closer Look and our first two-parter, we explore family and belonging. In this first part, Maria Pia 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.

  • Graphic promoting a podcast titled 'Closer Look' by AMaGA Victoria featuring an artistic illustration of a face and a decorative mirror frame. The background is split into beige and orange sections.

    Trees (August 2024)

    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.

  • A graphic for the podcast "Closer Look" by AMaGA Victoria featuring a half-face illustration of a woman's face and a vintage ornate mirror frame with a sepia background and a gradient orange overlay, with bold white text.

    Nostalgia (June 2024)

    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.