With Coachella in April and Reading and Leeds in August, it’s easy to feel like you’re watching other people watch brilliant musicians through your phone, and never experiencing it yourself. Meanwhile, Greece is overflowing with ancient history and geological wonders, Italy is filled with sculptures and paintings, France reigns with haute couture, and Japan captivates with its intricate animation… It’s easy to feel jealous of the art in other countries, so much so you may forget how beautiful Melbourne’s art scene is – the view right in front of you.
Australia offers a rich landscape of art and culture, formed through years of migration, movement, Indigenous heritage and natural wonders. From our waterfalls and rivers, to our beaches and deserts, our country offers endless inspiration for creativity, not to mention the varied backgrounds of all those who have, like my family, come to Australia from another country. Resettling, the growth this causes, and the creativity it generates, means Melburnians are capable of great artistic achievement.
One of these achievements, from a festival perspective, is RISING.
RISING is a huge part of our festival landscape, debuting in 2021 when it replaced the White Night and the Melbourne Festival. RISING showcases artworks, music performances, immersive experiences and parties to touch on the artistry in every corner of the creative industry.
Image Credit: Common State
But it’s not just festivals that inject life into the city we call home.
Any Melburnian will remember a primary school excursion to the National Gallery of Victoria, maybe even ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre. These places are known to us, they’re wonders that we’re aware of, yet how many times would most young people even visit them outside of a school trip?
Melbourne really is an epicentre for creativity, when you take the time to look beyond the black pant suits and soy flat whites.
Yes, the city is also a hub of businesspeople, lawyers, office clerks and bankers, but it’s also a hub of artists and creatives.
Below are some of my favourite creative discoveries in the city:
- At the Arts Centre, you’ll find the Australian Music Vault, an incredible archive of footage, letters, pictures, audio clips, memorabilia and fashion from some of Australia’s biggest names in music.
- ARC ONE Gallery in Flinders Lane highlights contemporary art, in an independent space.
- Brunswick Ballroom frequently hosts incredible (sometimes random) and always brilliant artists, from jazz concerts to poetry readings.
- The Espy is a right of passage for Melbourne youth with impressive DJ sets and indie surf rock bands.
Image Credit: Hotel Esplanade
When discussing art, you can’t forget Melbourne’s literary landscape, which is just as diverse and textured as the music and fine art side of the spectrum.
Hill of Content is an independent bookstore in Bourke Street, and of course Readings is a reliable location for a literary find or a new vinyl record.
I think there’s a lot to be said for Melbourne’s art scene. Melbourne is where Countdown operated, the iconic show from 1974-1987 which featured international and local artists, showcasing amazing music acts and helping put a spotlight on Australian music. It’s also the home of the NGV, highlighting how Melbourne facilitates a nationally stand-out art space. In 2022, the Melbourne Live Music Census found that there are 505 independent live music venues in the city, compared to 245 in Sydney (the data for which is found from a similar survey from 2024).
Supporting local gigs, from a rock show to a gallery opening, a comedy act to a couture brand launch, not only makes you feel like you’re not missing out, but it also makes you feel like you’re a part of a bigger community.
Recent exhibition: Yayoi Kusama. Image Credit: NGV
And that’s because you are. In the height of COVID-19, the Australian performing arts scene lost a total of $1.4 billion. The halt to entertainment also cost Australian musicians $345 million in annual revenue. Even five years later, the effects can still be felt. By supporting Melbourne-based artists, whether that means buying a ticket to a gallery exhibition, seeing a band at a pub or purchasing from an independent local designer, you’re feeding a community that got hit hard, and helping art in Melbourne grow.
While going local makes you feel good, it also benefits state revenue, too.
The Melbourne arts and entertainment scene is vital to the local economy, with the Melbourne Park precinct, home to Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena (and others), bringing in $880 million in 2022-2023. The entertainment industry brings in a national revenue of $15.6 billion, supported by over four thousand new full time positions in the local music industry in Melbourne. The arts scene is equally as impressive, with creative industries bringing in 7.6% of Victoria’s total wealth.
Without local art, the economy struggles, and more importantly, an integral part of who Melburnians are, and the cultures that the city represents, are faded. By highlighting local artists, the whole industry becomes a vibrant space of support, fun, inspiration and excitement.
There are a million reasons to fall in love with Melbourne’s art scene, and there’s something in the city streets that will capture your heart, as long as you’re willing to look.
Read more of our Thought-Provoking articles here.
Banner Image Credit: The Intrepid Guide
