Digital Studio wins Victorian Community History Award for Digital Storytelling


A huge congratulations to Rachel Fensham and Andrew Fuhrmann from the University of Melbourne Digital Studio who last week were announced as co-winners of the Victorian Community History Award for Digital Storytelling for their multimedia project La Mama: The Biggest Little Theatre in Australia.


Coranderrk, Jen Tran 2018

Coranderrk, Jen Tran 2018

The Victorian Community History Awards are presented by Public Records Office Victoria and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria to recognise the work of individuals and organisations that preserve and share Victoria’s history.

An interactive historical capsule of this landmark theatre, the project was created as part of the Visualising Venues project of the Digital Studio at the University of Melbourne in partnership with Digital Heritage Australia. It catalogues decades of photographs, posters and other records of performance at La Mama, which was ravaged by fire in 2018.

Of La Mama, the judges said: “Carlton’s La Mama theatre holds an iconic place in Victoria’s cultural landscape and this web project provides an interactive tour exploring the history and significance of the theatre by inhabiting its archive as a material and virtual space. This charming project gives audiences access to a rich media digital story by bringing together a complementary mix of technologies, narratives and voices. The visual design, the narrative engagement and the aesthetics have all contributed to the appeal and success of this well-produced project.”

Acting General Manager of La Mama, Tessa Spooner, was thrilled to hear of the win.

“This is such exciting news, and thank you to everyone for their contribution to this initiative,” she said. “This is an important resource and archive and I know it will touch the hearts of many at La Mama and beyond.”

Read more about La Mama: The Biggest Little Theatre in Australia

View the full list of Victorian Community History Award winners