National Library of Australia – National Photography Project
“Australians’ Relationship with Water”
The National Library of Australia is commissioning a national photography project exploring “Australians’ relationship with water.”
We are proud to share that the Aquarium Society of Victoria (ASOV) has been approached to participate in this important cultural documentation initiative.
What Will Be Photographed
As part of the project, the Library has expressed interest in documenting:
-
ASOV Fish Fair – Sunday 15 March
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A future monthly society meeting
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Selected private home aquariums
This is a unique opportunity to showcase not just our fish — but the people, passion and community that define Australian freshwater fishkeeping.
Home Aquarium Documentation
Expressions of Interest Now Open
We are seeking Expressions of Interest from members who may be open to having their aquariums professionally photographed as part of this national archive.
The focus will be on:
Participation would mean becoming part of a permanent national collection documenting Australian life and culture.
Why This Matters
ASOV has operated continuously since 1933 — one of Australia’s longest-standing aquarium societies.
This project represents an opportunity to:
-
Showcase Australian freshwater fishkeeping culture
-
Preserve our community’s contribution to aquatic study and husbandry
-
Recognise the role hobbyists play in biodiversity appreciation and education
-
Become part of Australia’s recorded social history
Our tanks are more than glass boxes — they are living ecosystems, creative expressions, scientific pursuits, and community builders. Being included in the National Library’s archive acknowledges the cultural significance of what we do.
Further details regarding participation and timing will be shared shortly.
If you are interested in being considered for home aquarium documentation, please contact the Committee.
Let’s show Australia what 90+ years of aquatic passion looks like.
Participation is entirely voluntary. We will clarify: • Image use and crediting • Consent requirements • Timing and access expectations Interested members can contact the committee secretary@asov.com.au
Participation & Next Steps
Participation in this project is entirely voluntary.
We understand that inviting a national institution into your home or club environment is a significant decision. Before any photography takes place, we will clearly outline:
-
Image use and crediting arrangements
-
Consent requirements (including personal and property considerations)
-
Timing, duration and access expectations
No member will be photographed, and no aquarium documented, without full prior discussion and formal consent.
If you are interested in participating — or would simply like to learn more — please contact the Committee:
secretary@asov.com.au
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to Australia’s documented cultural history while showcasing the depth, creativity and longevity of our ASOV community.
can you compile all this so i can add it to our blog
National Library of Australia Photography Project
“Australians’ Relationship with Water”
The National Library of Australia is commissioning a national photography project exploring:
“Australians’ relationship with water.”
The Aquarium Society of Victoria (ASOV) has been approached to participate in this important national documentation initiative.
This project aims to capture how Australians engage with water across culture, recreation, science and domestic life — and our freshwater fishkeeping community forms a unique and meaningful part of that story.
What They Would Like to Photograph
As part of the project, the Library has expressed interest in documenting:
-
ASOV Fish Fair – Sunday 15 March
-
A future monthly society meeting
-
Selected private home aquariums
This includes display aquariums, aquascapes, fishrooms and the interaction between aquarists and their aquatic environments.
Home Aquarium Documentation
Expressions of Interest
We are seeking Expressions of Interest from members who may be open to having their home aquariums professionally photographed as part of the National Library’s collection.
This is an opportunity to showcase:
Participation would mean becoming part of a permanent national archive documenting Australian social and cultural life.
Why This Matters
ASOV has operated continuously since 1933, making it one of Australia’s longest-standing aquarium societies.
This project represents an opportunity to:
-
Showcase Australian freshwater fishkeeping culture
-
Preserve our community’s contribution to aquatic study and husbandry
-
Recognise the role hobbyists play in biodiversity appreciation and education
-
Become part of Australia’s recorded social history
Our aquariums are living ecosystems, creative works, scientific explorations and community-building spaces. Being included in the National Library’s archive acknowledges the cultural significance of what we do.
Participation & Next Steps
Participation in this project is entirely voluntary.
Before any photography takes place, we will clearly outline:
No member or private aquarium will be documented without prior discussion and formal consent.
If you are interested in participating — or would simply like further information — please contact the Committee at:
secretary@asov.com.au
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to Australia’s documented cultural history while showcasing the depth, passion and longevity of the ASOV community.
