From its iconic street art to its range of galleries and museums, Melbourne is world-renowned for its arts and culture scene – one of the many awesome reasons to live in the Victorian capital. But how did we get here? In this guide, we walk you through the history of the Melbourne art scene and some of the most creative spaces in Melbourne that you won’t want to miss.
The history of Melbourne’s art scene
Melbourne’s street art can be traced back to the 1980s. One of the most famous examples from this period can be seen at Collingwood Technical College (now known as the Collingwood Arts Precinct), which fueled the growing desire for street art.
By the 1990s, the streets of Melbourne emerged with illustrative street art. The famous CityLights project appeared in 1996, which involved lightboxes that could be viewed from multiple locations for free. This led to the birth of the nation’s most famous street: Hosier Lane.
The year 2000 marked the beginning of street art of unique characters, and the city’s empty spaces were covered with innovative art. The graffiti art field, once ruled by men, now boasts a diverse array of artists in Melbourne. With street art and graffiti having taken over most of the city streets, there’s something for everyone.
Want to check out these artistic displays for yourself but don’t have a car? No problem! Because they are scattered across the city, many of these displays can be accessed via public transport. Even better, you may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on public transport thanks to the International Student Travel Pass.
Melbourne’s art scene today
Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne’s art scene isn’t limited to the street arts. It is home to many treasures in various galleries and museums spread across the city. From fashion exhibits at the National Gallery of Victoria to contemporary art at the Gertrude Contemporary, there is something to cater to all tastes.
Melbourne is also home to performing arts and cinemas that make your experience of watching a Hollywood classic or an indie film memorable. The top theatres in Melbourne include the Arts Centre, Athenaeum Theatre, Comedy Theatre and Princess Theatre. Some popular movie theatres in Melbourne include Cinema Nova, Kino Cinema, Lido Cinema, Palace Westgarth Cinemas and The Astor Theatre.
The art and culture of Melbourne do not end here – it also welcomes world-class music festivals where all music lovers can dance to one tune. Let’s not forget the month of April when Melbourne becomes the comedy capital of Australia by hosting the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. An extensive program awaits you, complete with street performances, theatre, cabaret, stand-up comedy, radio, television, film and visual arts.
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How Melbourne is keeping the arts alive
The Melbourne arts have become an invaluable part of the city’s makeup. As a result, the city is regularly upholding its commitment to the arts in several ways.
For example, the City of Melbourne annual arts grants help bring ideas to life by offering grants of up to $20,000 to support the idea of any art form, including painting, sculptures, dancing, writing, film or production of any work.
In addition, Melbourne’s go-to student accommodation provider, Scape, has launched a new initiative: The.Artscape, which houses the Artist in Residence program. This collaboration delivers creative career mentorship from working artists and will support students residing at Scape by allowing them to use the opportunity to develop art installations across different Scape properties.
The first collaborating artist under the program is Nathan Nankervis, an artist in Melbourne who specialises in illustration and design. Nathan has installed his creations at Scape Swanston along with digital designs and merchandise. His studio is also accessible to residents at Scape Carlton on the ground floor.
Must-see creative spaces in Melbourne
Eager to feed your art-loving soul? Here are some of the best creative spaces in Melbourne you can’t skip.
National Gallery of Victoria
This hard-to-miss building on the edge of the Yarra River is one of the oldest galleries open to all. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has hosted classic and contemporary exhibitions, including Van Gogh, Jean Paul Gaultier and Andy Warhol.
One of the most fascinating sections of the NGV is the Ian Potter Centre. Home to First Nations artists, the centre takes you on a tour of Australian history and culture from various points of view. Be sure to check out their artwork which emphasises misrepresented and unheard voices.
Hosier Lane
As mentioned previously, Hosier Lane is one of the best places to view Melbourne’s street art. Situated opposite Federation Square, this cobblestoned lane is full of colours and character. Whether you opt to explore the laneway yourself or take part in a guided tour, you’re sure to soak up some of the city’s best art.
@insiderguides Melbourne’s street art is second to none – and it makes for an amazing addition to your Instragram feed. 📍 Hosier Lane, Melbourne. #melbourne #melbournestreetart #hosierlane #hosierlanestreetart #streetartistry ♬ It’s Called: Freefall (Sped Up) – Rainbow Kitten Surprise
State Library of Victoria
Melbourne’s oldest and most iconic library is a significant attraction to readers, writers and students. This library is not only a hotspot for literature enthusiasts but also for art lovers, with a range of historic artworks on display. The State Library hosts various events, so visit their website for updates.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Those interested in the arts of cinema and filmmaking will love the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Free to visit, the centre showcases a range of exhibitions, screenings, festivals and more, all dedicated to shining a light on screen culture and its history.
Centre For Contemporary Photography
A not-for-profit community for all photography enthusiasts, this art gallery showcases notable photographic artworks and provides various services for artists working in photography and videography. It also offers educational experiences along with exhibition opportunities.
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
A celebration of diversity, The.Artscape and Artist in Residence program at Scape Student Living is a one-of-a-kind initiative for students. With the understanding that creativity is our greatest human resource, Scape has designed spaces and experiences that allow creative thinking to flourish. Learn more about the creative career mentorship offered by The.Artscape here.
