Australian literary icon Tim Winton discussed his long-awaited novel Juice, in front of a 400 strong audience in the University of Melbourne’s Union Theatre last night.
Part of Melbourne’s festival and run in partnership with The Wheeler Centre and local book retailer Readings through University of Melbourne’s Arts and Culture (UMAC), Winton shared his insights into the human spirit, as well as climate change and the future, as explored in the new novel.
“Everyone keeps talking about what a departure this book is… the writing of it begins in geography for me, it begins in the ecologic logic of the place… in that way this is no different to any other novel of mine,” Winton said during the conversation with Micheal Williams, editor of The Monthly.
Recognising the University of Melbourne and its UMAC program, Williams went on to say: “It is so great to see a university have such a commitment both to the cultural sphere but also the life of the city, the intellectual conversations we have and how we come together.”
University of Melbourne’s Director of Performing Arts, Virginia Lovett spoke to the importance of the UMAC program, which was created to strengthen the University’s long-standing commitment to the performing arts by presenting, curating and commissioning inspiring and entertaining arts experiences to enrich student life and engage the public.
“Events like these allow everyone to engage in storytelling and knowledge exchange on our campus, transforming our wonderful Arts and Culture Precinct on the Parkville campus into a vibrant centre for cultural wealth the entire year-round.”
“Bringing a globally recognised Australian author to our community for direct, engaging conversations is exactly what UMAC is all about.”
The partnership with The Wheeler Centre signifies the growing reputation of the UMAC brand, building upon its impressive list of 2024 collaborators which includes RISING, Chunky Move and Lucy Guerin Inc.
UMAC is central to the University’s cultural agenda and aligns closely to the Advancing Melbourne 2023 strategy, supporting the delivery of social, economic, and cultural benefits to the University community, its partners, and the city of Melbourne.
For more information on UMAC’s upcoming events, visit
