The Stables and Art Studios
The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music art studio and exhibitions area comprises 465 art studios, work preparation areas, multipurpose installation and project spaces, tutorial rooms, and public exhibition venues, including The Stables, Fiona & Sidney Myer Gallery and VCA Art Space.
Formerly the Victoria Police Mounted Branch horse stables, The Stables is a dramatic space rich with heritage character. It was transformed in 2018 into world-class teaching and learning facilities for VCA Visual Art students. Following the multimillion-dollar makeover, The Stables is now a best-in-class facility for flexible learning and creative collaboration.
State-of-the-art studio and exhibition spaces
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# 465 Art studios
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# 260-seat Multipurpose wing
Explore the stables, exhibition spaces and artists studios
Facilities summary
Overview
Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, The Stables features 132 art studios, flexible exhibition spaces, a light-filled mezzanine level, and the Martyn Myer Arena — a 260-seat multipurpose arts wing for theatre, dance, music theatre and music performances.
Exhibitions and student use
During the exhibition season in November and December, the studio areas are packed down and the entire footprint is transformed into an expansive exhibition venue to accommodate both the graduate and Master’s public exhibition showcases.
The art studio and exhibition areas can be accessed seven days a week by students and staff who have completed the required inductions and are appropriately trained.
VCA Artspace
VCA Artspace is a dedicated student exhibition space where students are encouraged to test ideas and present their work in a supported peer environment. With exhibitions changing weekly, members of the public are invited to visit this lively incubator of creativity and get a glimpse inside the VCA’s Visual Art program.
Sustainability
In 2019 the Green Building Council of Australia awarded The Stables a 5 Star Green Star (Design & As Built v1.1 Certified Rating), which represents Australian Excellence in sustainable design and construction. The Stables is the University of Melbourne’s first ever ‘As-Built’ Green Star certified project.
Study with us
The VCA offers a unique range of programs across the visual arts, performing arts and media, taught by staff who are experts in their fields.