ArtsNational Canberra and Susan Kay-Williams presented a lecture exploring the fascinating history of how dyes were discovered and produced up to the 18th century.

ArtsNational Canberra and Zara Fleming present a lecture focusing on the Buddhist areas of the highest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas.

ArtsNational Canberra and Paul Brunton OAM present a lecture focusing on the eyewitness accounts of the voyage to Sydney during the First Fleet of 1787 - 1788.

ArtsNational Canberra and Charlie Hall present a lecture focusing on the ideas and culture of the Italian Renaissance, a phenomenon that emerged in the 15th century.

ArtsNational Canberra and Tessa Boase present a lecture uncovering the intriguing story of women’s love affair with feathers and the brave eco‑feminists who fought to protect the birds.

ArtsNational Canberra and Mariska Beekenkamp-Wladimiroff present a lecture focusing on the Dutch Golden Age, using six paintings to explore the art, cities, landscapes and society of 17th century Netherlands.

ArtsNational Canberra and Graham Jones present a lecture exploring how the military plans and delivers the United Kingdom’s greatest ceremonial events, from state visits to national commemorations.

Dr Sylvia Martin, in conversation with Frank Bongiorno, launched her new book about prominent Australian artists Eirene Mort and Nora Kate Weston, and their incredible 60-year creative partnership.

Julie Gough discussed her recent Fellowship research focusing on colonial collections and their role in shaping Tasmanian Aboriginal histories.

In 2026 the National Library of Australia presents a rich and varied program of new talks and ideas, along with our long-running flagship lectures. Read about what's coming up.