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                    Venue hire at ArtPlay

                    ArtPlay building with pedestrians walking past, large trees in foreground and city buildings in background
                    ArtPlay is a flexible creative studio for hire. Previously known as the Jolimont Lecture Hall, this light-filled historical venue has two available spaces ideal for art-related events such as book launches, team building exercises, creative development workshops, rehearsals and meetings.

                    ​​​The ArtPlay Space and Mezzanine can be hired simultaneously for larger events, please indicate this in the booking application form.

                    Take a virtual tour now.​​

                    • ArtPlay Space

                      The ArtPlay Space is 190 square metres and has a capacity to host 80 seats in a theatre-style setting and standing room for 90.

                    • Mezzanine

                      The ArtPlay Mezzanine is 140 square metres and has a capacity to host 30 seats in a theatre-style setting and standing room for 40.

                    ​Bookings

                    Tell us more about your event by completing the application form:

                    Frequently asked questions

                    ArtPlay venue hire

                    What is the booking process and how do I get a quote?

                    Please complete the online application form and a quote will be sent for your consideration.

                    Do I need to have venue staff present during the hire?

                    Yes. It is a requirement for venue staff to be present as Safety Officers. The number of venue staff will be dependent on the nature and the size of the event.

                    How about additional staff?

                    ​The hirer is responsible for providing the additional staff that their event may require.

                    ArtPlay will request evidence in certification, where relevant, of the hired staff.

                    What furniture and A/V equipment is available?

                    Tables (1200mm x 1200mm), folding chairs and a data projector are included in the hire. The sound system and rear projection screen are available for hire at an additional cost. Please refer to the online application form.

                    Does ArtPlay organise catering?

                    No. But to assist you with supplier suggestions, see our list of Aboriginal and social enterprise caterers​.

                    Can I use of the external area to the ArtPlay building as part of the hire?

                    No. The external area is not included in the venue hire.

                    Is there a fully equipped kitchen to support catering?

                    No. It will be the responsibility of the hirer to organize catering and provide evidence of the relevant certification when requested.

                    No barbecuing is permitted at, in or around the venue.

                    Can I decorate the venue?

                    Yes. However, the venue must be reinstated to the condition of when it was presented at the commencement of hire.

                    If the hirer fails to meet the requirements of the venue, the hirer may and will be charged with additional fess to have the venue reinstated.

                    What are the venue policies regarding serving of alcohol, smoking and naked flames?

                    All city venues are smoke-free zones and smoking is strictly prohibited and surrounding areas at all times. 

                    Naked flames including candles, smoke machines, special balloon effects and pyrotechnics are prohibited at, in or around the venue.

                    The venue is an alcohol-free venue therefore serving and selling of alcohol is prohibited.

                    Do I need to provide security personnel for my event?

                    ​You may be required to provide security depending on the nature of your event. This is at the discretion of the venue manager.

                    Do I need insurance?

                    ​You must hold a current public liability insurance policy of at least $20 million. A certificate of currency must be provided before the commencement of hire.

                    Read more about our public liability insurance requirements.

                    Are there parking facilities onsite?

                    No. ​The closest parking facility is at Federation Square and on-street metered parking along Flinders Street and St Kilda Road.

                    What is the cancellation process?

                    A written notification must be provided to the venue manager immediately.  Penalty rates will apply for any cancellation less than 4 weeks from the date of the hire.

                    Contact us

                    Contact name
                    ArtPlay
                    Address
                    Birrarung Marr
                    Behind Federation Square
                    Melbourne VIC 3000
                    Email
                    artplayhire@melbourne.vic.gov.au

                    More information

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