APAC Reveal Collections Upgrade

The Victorian Arts Centre Trust (VACT)
Melbourne VIC, in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung country
2022
$1m contract value

WRA was engaged to work on the planning, detailed design and construction phases of this project through to full completion.  

The Victorian Arts Centre Trust (VACT) is responsible for two nationally significant and unique collections: The Australian Performing Arts Collection (APAC), which tells the story of Australia’s performing arts history and traditions; and the Public Art Collection, which celebrates the performing arts through the works of Australia’s most significant visual artists.

In 2019 a feasibility study was undertaken to look at the possibilities available to redevelop the existing collections storage facility situated in the Hamer Hall basement adjacent to the loading dock.

The design allows for an upgrade and expansion of the storage capacity, an upgrade of the conservation and digitisation facilities, improved work spaces for collections staff, as well as improvements to the building envelope to mitigate dust, noise and water ingress. These changes provide a more suitable controlled environment befitting this unique collection.

Primary project objectives are to improve and facilitate:

• Storage, growth, and preservation of the collection

• Accessible quality spaces for the staff and the collection

• Preparation of the collection for new exhibitions

• Exhibition of selected collections for guided back of house tours

Photos: Hussein Ghafoury