Nostos Lunch Salon

Nostos is an intimate afternoon salon series by Anthrōprospective at Collingwood House in Collingwood, inner Melbourne. Inspired by the ancient Greek concept of nostos [νόστος]—a longing to return home, this gathering invites us back: to community, to place, to self, and to one another. In a time of disconnection, Nostos is a return to slow, thoughtful conversation shared over a warm meal.

Theme: Dialogue in Divided Times

Our upcoming Nostos gathering turns its attention to one of the defining challenges of our era, that is, polarisation. In a time when public discourse so often fractures along political, cultural, and ideological lines, this conversation will explore how anthropology can help us better understand, and work to repair, the social fabric that binds us.

Through the lens of civic dialogue and the anthropology of polarisation, we’ll reflect on how cultural and social forces shape the ways people engage, disagree, and make sense of one another. What can anthropology reveal about the emotional and moral worlds behind political divides? How can ethnographic ways of listening, witnessing, and storytelling help us navigate misinformation, deepen empathy, and reimagine spaces for collective understanding?

This afternoon salon invites participants into a rich, open-ended dialogue about what it means to speak, and to listen, across difference. Together, we’ll explore how conversation itself can become a form of care, and how the humanities might guide us toward more connected, reflective, and humane public life.

Whether you’re curious about anthropology, seeking connection with new friends over good food and drinks, or simply drawn to deep conversation, Nostos offers a place at the table. Come as you are - all are welcome.

Ticket price includes light refreshments and two glasses of wine or non-alcoholic drinks kindly provided by our event sponsors and . Please indicate your dietary requirements at booking. See below for frequently asked questions.

Info: Settle in, find your seat, and enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink as the room fills.

Info: A short welcome and theme-setting intention from your host, with a few gentle provocations to guide conversation.

Info: Our special guest will share a discussion regarding their research field to deepen the theme and provide provocations to open discussion. Q&A.

Info: Space to journal, reflect, and note any thoughts or ideas sparked during the lunch. A soft ending to a rich gathering as we wrap up officially at 3:30pm.

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Host or Publisher Anthroprospective