ArtPlay Program
The program ranges from workshops, exhibitions, events and performances at ArtPlay’s Birrarung Marr venue or online.
ArtPlay’s activities are either free or offered at affordable prices. They include weekend, school holiday and week-day events. Bookings are required for most events, however there are also free exhibitions and drop-in events available. Be sure to check out What’s on before dropping by.
Throughout the year, ArtPlay works with children, artists and partners to offer different programs including:
- The New Ideas Lab program which runs on a two-year cycle. In the first year, artists and children collaborate to make new creative experiences together. And you can be involved in contributing your ideas and helping to shape these new projects. In the second year, you can experience some of the exciting, finished projects.
- By Kids, For Kids is a two-year program, where a group of children (selected through a workshop process) work with ArtPlay and House of MuchnessOpens in new tab to dream up new creative experiences for their peers. Look out for the By Kids, For Kids offer as part of the July school holidays each year.
- Festival partnerships include Now or Never, Melbourne Fringe, Midsumma and Yirramboi - where together we develop and deliver exciting offers for children and families at ArtPlay.
- Our Shadows project is a collaboration between ArtPlay and Jeonju Cultural Foundation in the Republic of Korea. We have been working together online and in-person over the past four years providing opportunities for children and artists to connect across both countries.
Respectful and welcoming of all members of our community, we recognise the unique and continuing culture of Indigenous Australians, and respectfully acknowledge that our activities take place on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation.
History
ArtPlay was originally inspired by The Ark, a dedicated cultural centre for children in Ireland. Now more than twenty years later, ArtPlay has in turn inspired Artground in Singapore and the Jeonju Cultural Foundation in the Republic of Korea.
The City of Melbourne established ArtPlay in 2004 with a contribution from the Sidney Myer Fund. The red brick venue is the last remaining building of the past Melbourne rail yards.
The council's continuing commitment to the provision of quality creative arts programs with, for and by children and families has seen the ArtPlay program grow into what it is today.
