Paul Kelly, one of Australia’s leading commentators on national politics and social, economic, and foreign policy and Walkley Award-winning journalist and Editor-at-Large for The Australian, has been named a 2010 Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Zoe Nikakis reports.

The winter edition of Meanjin offers a timely look at the continuing exclusion of women in Australia. By Silvia Dropulich.

A recent production of the play Ghetto by Faculty of the VCA and Music final year drama students presented a harrowing tale mixed with poignant connection to contemporary Melbourne.

Once home to legendary musicians Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, the birthplace of the Blues had lost its rhythm, alumnus John Henshall found when he arrived in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The streets were empty, businesses closed and the buildings rundown. But the urban economist and planner fell under Clarksdale’s spell when he discovered the famous music scene was still thriving – and he put up his hand for a project to breathe the life back into the dishevelled town. Fiona Willan reports.

At a ceremony to announce the State Library of Victoria’s 2010 Fellowships, historian Colin Holden was named recipient of the Redmond Barry Fellowship. Gabrielle Murphy talks to Dr Holden about his forthcoming project, and how the classical architecture of some of Melbourne’s finest buildings has inspired Redmond Barry Fellows two years running.

The timeless language of Shakespeare continues to reach new audiences and break down barriers in a project initiated by Melbourne Law students. By Gabrielle Murphy.