Photography 130 offers an expanded view of the role and contribution of RMIT University to the photographic imaging of Melbourne and Australia, presenting a fresh perspective through the lens of the University photographic history, legacy and culture. From the University beginning in 1887 as the Working Men College, RMIT students took to photography with great enthusiasm, making important connections and contributions to the growth of Melbourne as a city as part of the world longest running photographic school. The exhibition features over 100 photographs created by RMIT staff and alumni between 1887 and 2017 sourced from RMIT Archives, the National Gallery of Victoria, the State Library of Victoria, Monash Gallery of Art, and private collections, the exhibition showcases work by photographers and artists whose images have reflected the changing social landscape of Melbourne in the service of art, politics, news, entertainment, commerce, science and discovery. While Australian photography has an established history that is well represented in major State museum, library and gallery collections, Photography 130 places the focus on the role of the teaching institution. RMIT University has provided skills and nurtured students who have gone on to contribute to the artistic, commercial and scientific culture of Australia. Photography 130 seeks to respond to core questions about how the culture of RMIT as an institution has influenced the development of photographers in Melbourne and Australia.

Exhibition artists and photographers included: Pauline Anastasiou, Chris Barry, John Billan, Earl Carter, Peta Clancy, Lynton Crabb, Stuart Crossett, Heather Dinas, Greg Elms, Samantha Everton, Daniela Federici, Susan Fereday, Sue Ford, Jerry Galea, Mark Galer, Silvi Glattauer, John Gollings, Janina Green, Frank Guy, Ludovico Hart, Alan Hill & Kelly Hussey-Smith, Shane Hulbert, Richard Kendall, Bronek Kozka, Ian Lobb, Murray McKeich,Garry Moore, Steven Morton, Rebecca Najdowski, Harry Nankin, Phuong Ngo, John Noone, Bernie Oegan, Jill Orr, Nikos Pantazopoulos, Polixeni Papapetrou, Hugh Peachey, Phred Petersen, Louis Petruccelli, Clare Rae, Kate Robertson, Linnea Rundgren, Lisa Saad, Rod Schaffer, Sam Shmith, Matthew Sleeth, Glenn Sloggett, Gale Spring, John Story, Darren Sylvester, Alex Syndikas, Henry Talbot, Christian Thompson, Heidi Victoria, Jens Waldenmaier, Lyndal Walker, Les Walkling, Michael Wennrich, Ellie Young, Joel Zika.

Title from cover. Catalog of an exhibition held at RMIT Gallery, 10 March-13 April 2017. Includes bibliographical references (page 14)