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                    ArtPlay's history

                    A red brick building with boulders in front of it.
                    The idea for ArtPlay came from The Ark, a dedicated cultural centre for children in Ireland. The City of Melbourne established ArtPlay with a contribution from the Sidney Myer Fund.

                    The council's continuing commitment to the provision of quality arts and cultural programs for children has seen the ArtPlay program grow.

                    ArtPlay is located in the heart of the city next to the Yarra River. The red brick warehouse is the remaining building of the Melbourne rail yards. Inside ArtPlay there are large open spaces and plenty of natural light suitable for creative activities and exhibitions.

                    Other funding and partnerships

                    • Australia Council: The City of Melbourne and ArtPlay were assisted by the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body – the Australia Council – through its Creative Community Partnership Program (2010 to 2013).
                    • University of Melbourne and Australian Research Council: The ArtPlay Research Project (2009 to 2012) was made possible by a three-year Australian Research Council Linkage Grant between the Australia Council, the City of Melbourne and the University of Melbourne.
                    Did you know?

                    ArtPlay's surrounding playground opened in late 2004 and has decorated walkways, slides, sand areas and a wheelchair swing.

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