You’re invited to the fascinating exhibition Rewind Forward at The Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne from 29 May until 30 Nov 2025. Five Melbourne artists were invited to produce artwork inspired by their research into the state government’s giant public archive.

From Shannon Slee’s textile memorial to 950 women identified in inquests for backyard abortions, to Sam Wallman’s comic illustrations paying homage to Melbourne dock Rewind Forward delivers beautiful and thought-provoking work celebrating cursive handwriting and hard truths.

Susan Fitzgerald playfully recreates the iconography of historic transport tickets, while Queer-ways draw attention to those arrested for gender non-conforming clothing of the early 1900s.

It runs from its launch on 29 May until November. VAC Gallery is free and open Monday to Friday on Shiel Street, North Melbourne and the second and last Saturday of each month. Other artists include Emile Zile.