Melbourne Social

31/05/2026

31/07/2024

‘Dakar transports you like a never-ending trance…this effervescent whirlwind’ – Bull Doff

Bull Doff’s designs respond to the bustling Senegalese capital of Dakar, celebrating it as an African metropolis today, and a utopia of the future.

Designers Laure Tarot and Baay Sooley’s collections take inspiration from the sights, sounds and materials of the city to create their signature Afrofuturistic aesthetic, which sings with colour and innovation.

See their work in all of its glory in Africa Fashion, 10am–5pm daily at NGV International.

Want more? Join our next free afternoon of activities, performances and music celebrating Africa Fashion: Past, Present & Future. 12–3pm, Sat 17 Aug at NGV International.

Learn more: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/program/africa-fashion-past-present-future/

31/07/2024

THIS!!!

Summer’s coming, and we’re getting ready for Kusama.

With nearly 200 works on display, Yayoi Kusama at NGV will be the largest exhibition of the artist's work ever mounted in Australia, and includes the global unveiling of her most recent infinity mirror room.

This December, discover a giant Dancing Pumpkin in Fed Court, seek out your reflection in Kusama's Narcissus Garden, then explore the full exhibition, presented across the entire Ground Floor of NGV International.

This summer is going to be big – Yayoi Kusama opens 15 December and runs until 21 April 2025 at NGV International.

Book your tickets now: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/yayoi-kusama/

Yayoi Kusama The Hope of the Polka Dots Buried in Infinity Will Eternally Cover the Universe 2019 (detail) at Kusama's solo exhibition Yayoi Kusama: All About Love Speaks Forever at Fosun Foundation, Shanghai. © YAYOI KUSAMA

08/07/2024

From the 7th to the 14th of July 2024, The Retreat Hotel acknowledges NAIDOC Week as a time for listening, reflecting, and learning.

We would like to honour the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which our venue stands.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded, and our venue operates on stolen land.

We host Blak Stage, Victoria’s only First Nations-focused open mic night, every Tuesday at 7pm in The Retreat bandroom, since 2019. Presented by Deadly Events, this weekly event provides a platform for emerging and established First Nations artists to share their talents, from singing and dancing to poetry and comedy.

We invite all mob to take the stage and showcase their skills. Each week, special guest performances add to the excitement. Allies are warmly welcomed to join us, grab a meal, and immerse themselves in the stories of our local and visiting First Nations storytellers.

Blak Stage is free entry and family-friendly, making it an ideal evening for everyone to come together and celebrate.

We highly recommend checking out the organisers Deadly Events who work tirelessly to put on these incredible nights. Have a look through their previous events and engage with the artists and performers. It's more important than ever to be lifting up these voices.

31/05/2024

31/05/2024