Arts Centre Melbourne progress with next stage of opening

Arts Centre Melbourne is set to re-introduce the Australian Music Vault and offer new entertainment options in the next stage of opening the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

Features of the next stage of opening will include Vault Sessions: Live & Lo-Fi, presenting performance sessions on the forecourt by Melbourne-based musicians, a special First Nations Playlist curated by Allara which will be played across all venue spaces and the unveiling of Me & Uoo-Uoo, two spectacular public art sculptures supporting the 150 year anniversary of The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Venues including Bombini Buzz and The Barre backyard will also return, adding further vibrancy to the precinct.

“We are taking another important step in bringing people back to our venues and facilities at Arts Centre Melbourne,” said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer AM.

“It’s been a monumental effort to open up and activate the spaces that we treasure so we hope that the community will continue to embrace us and the offerings that we’ve been able to provide.”

The Australian Music Vault will be open from 15 January, with ticketed timed entry to manage capacity. Vault Sessions: Live & Lo-Fi will begin from the same date with free live music performances on the forecourt on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 5.30pm.

Bombini Buzz is set for a return at the end of January and will be used as a base for local businesses to operate from. The Barre backyard will be open from mid-February, returning drink service and eventually ticketed lunch options. There will be a major focus on highlighting local food and beverage providers as the venue returns.

Me & Uoo-Uoo, the collaborative installations with Royal Children’s Hospital, will engage children, adults and families alike with an unveiling on 20 January.

These latest activations will join forecourt café Protagonist and the Sunday Markets as Arts Centre Melbourne moves closer to welcoming audiences back.

The return of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building is a steadily developing process involving ongoing consultation with the Victorian Government and Department of Health and Human Services.

A series by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in March is earmarked as the first ticketed event of 2021, with plans to perform to a CovidSAFE Hamer Hall. The capacity of this event is still yet to be determined and will be based on government recommendations.

“We are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space alongside all cultural, hospitality and retail offerings across the Melbourne Arts Precinct,” added Spencer.

“Every step that we take will ensure that being COVIDSafe is at the centre of what we do and we will be transparent on the things we are doing to make our spaces safe for all.”

For more information on our opening events and the steps we’re taking to safely open click here.