Better Off Said: Cats and Dogs

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Our animal companions take centre stage in this big-hearted storytelling event from the brilliant minds of Marieke Hardy and Emilie Zoey Baker, inspired by the National Gallery Victoria’s Cats & Dogs exhibition.  

In this special edition of much-loved spoken word series Better Off Said, a menagerie of writers come together to pay tribute to two of the world’s most popular domesticated animals: cats and dogs.   

From Edgar Allen Poe’s sinister black cat to Homer’s faithful dog Argos, felines and canines have long wandered the realms of storytelling. In this session, beloved Melbourne writer Tony Birch, author and broadcaster Mimi Kwa, award-winning novelist Laura Jean McKay and proud Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman and sports journalist Shelley Ware will reflect on the cats and dogs that have left an impression on their lives, while Robert Skinner, winner of the 2025 John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, will deliver a Living Eulogy to a beloved creature, celebrating life while we’re still here to appreciate it.

Witty, reflective, joyful or irreverent, these tributes to our non-human companions promise to delight cat people and dog people alike. Hosted by Emilie Zoey Baker and curated by Marieke Hardy. 

 

Presented in partnership with the National Gallery Victoria 

When booking, pre-purchase a copy of Cats and Dogs in Art & Design to collect on the night. Published alongside the Cats & Dogs exhibition, this richly illustrated book showcases more than 100 works of art and design depicting loyal dogs and spirited cats selected from the NGV Collection.

Please note this event will take place at NGV International and does not include entry to the Cats & Dogs exhibition. The exhibition is on display at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square until Sunday 20 July, and tickets to the exhibition can be purchased separately through the National Gallery Victoria's website

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Event and Ticketing Details

Dates & Times

Saturday 19 July
7.00 - 8.30pm

Tickets

$42.50
Full 
$41.50
Concession 
$40.50
NGV & TWC Members 
$92.50
Full Ticket + Book 
$91.50
Concession Ticket + Book 
$90.50
Members Ticket + Book 

TWC and NGV Members can access discounted tickets to this event. Find out more here

Location

Great Hall, NGV International

180 St Kilda Road Melbourne Victoria 3000

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Accessibility

Accessible toilets available

Assistive Listening

Auslan interpreting available by-request

Companion tickets available

Registered Assistance Animals welcome

Wheelchair accessible

For information regarding accessibility at the National Gallery of Victoria, click here.

Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact ticketing@wheelercentre.com.

Additional Notes

 

The bookseller for this event is NGV Design Store