Arts House manages two venues – Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall and Arts House, Meat Market.
How do I book a venue?
For venue hire enquiries contact the Bookings Officer on (03) 9322 3720 or email artshouse@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
When can I book the venue?
Venues are available for hire subject to Arts House programming. Arts House venues are not available for hire from 1 to 30 January.
What’s the capacity?
Hirers must observe the maximum patron capacities as stated in the room tech specs.
How loud can I be?
Arts House venues are in residential areas and therefore any noise, voice or other music amplification must be at a lawful acoustic level. Any direction made by the City or the Victoria Police to reduce noise volume must be immediately followed and adhered to.
Do I need security?
The Hirer may be required to provide at least two security officers capable of maintaining good order and security at the function. This requirement is at the discretion of the Bookings Officer.
Do I need insurance?
The Hirer must hold a current public liability insurance policy of at least $20,000,000.00. Evidence of insurance must be provided to the Bookings Officer before any activities commence.
Do I need a technician?
All technical operations in the venue must receive prior approval from Arts House Production Manager. All technical operations are to be carried out by qualified and reputable technicians with appropriate skills and a clear understanding of the venue’s facilities.
Can I decorate the venue?
All venue decorations and signage must be approved by the Bookings Officer or Production Manager to ensure the venue will not be damaged.
How long can I hire the venue for?
The Hirer and Bookings Officer will agree on a commencement and finish time for all hires, if the venue is not vacated by the agreed finish time the hirer may be required to pay extra charges.
Can I leave valuable items on site?
The Hirer is responsible for the safe keeping of all valuables, cash and any box office takings associated with the event and the City will not be held liable for any loss or damage suffered by the Hirer.
Can I sub-let the venue?
The Hirer may sub-let the space hired only with the prior written consent of the city. The hire charge will be at the Commercial Event rate. The types of events for which sub-letting may be allowed include fairs or exhibitions where stallholders or exhibitors are charged an occupancy fee.
Can I sell alcoholic drinks?
If Hirers will be providing alcoholic drinks to patrons they must hold a liquor licence obtained from Consumer Affairs Victoria. A copy of the licence must be given to the Bookings Officer prior to the event. Details can be found at Consumer Affairs Victoria or on telephone (03) 9655 6936.
What event details do you need?
Upon request, the Hirer will supply the Bookings Officer a detailed statement or program, showing precisely what is to take place during the event and hire period from the Commencement Time and Date to Finish Time and Date. Hirers are also required to supply contact details of volunteers and/or personnel who will be organising the event/function, in particular the event organisers attending and responsible for the event throughout the event period.
Controversial content
The Hirer must give immediate notice to Arts House if the project is likely to be highly controversial or injure the reputation of the City. Advanced notice will enable the City to address any media issues that may arise. In some instances the Hirer may be required to post a clear and visible notice at the venue.
Can I photograph or film in the venue?
Any photography, video recording or other filming, in or around the venue, other than for private purposes, is prohibited without the prior written consent of venue management. Arts House may take photographs of the event for the sole purpose of including this material in promotional publications relating to the venue subject to the Hirer providing consent.
Is there a kitchen?
Kitchen facilities are available with some rooms within Arts House and the use of the kitchens can be discussed with the Bookings Officer. Hirers wishing to use the kitchen for catering purposes must provide the bookings officer with safe food handling permits. No barbecuing is permitted at, in or around the venue whether on portable equipment or otherwise unless approved by the Production Manager.
Can I smoke?
All city venues are smoke-free zones and smoking is strictly prohibited at all times.
Can I use candles, fire or special effects?
Naked flames including candles, smoke machines, special balloon effects and pyrotechnics are prohibited at, in or around the venue without the prior written consent of the Production Manager.
How do I cancel my booking?
Contact the Bookings Officer immediately. The following penalties apply should the Hirer cancel the event:
- four weeks or more before is 10 per cent of the quoted hire fee
- two weeks but less than four weeks is 25 per cent of the quoted hire fee
- one week but less than two weeks is 50 per cent of the quoted hire fee
- less than one week is 100 per cent of the quoted hire fee or total forfeiture if already paid.