Revamped Stables extend University’s artistic reach

The Stables –
a world‑class visual arts
and performance space in
Melbourne’s Southbank.

The University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music has celebrated the launch of The Stables, a new world-class visual arts and performance space in Melbourne’s Southbank.

Built in 1912, the former Victoria Police Mounted Branch stables have been transformed into teaching and learning facilities, including a new visual arts wing with 170 studios and flexible exhibition spaces, along with a 260-seat multipurpose arts wing – the Martyn Myer Arena – for theatre, dance, music theatre and music performances.

The $18 million refurbishment was made possible through the significant support of the University of Melbourne and generous philanthropists including The Ian Potter Foundation, The Myer Foundation, and Martyn and Louise Myer.

“The Southbank campus transformation offers tremendous opportunities to expand community engagement, foster new partnerships locally and internationally and work with our cultural precinct partners’ vision to further develop the city’s thriving arts scene,” noted the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis.

The Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, Professor Barry Conyngham, said The Stables would help the faculty respond to a 66 per cent increase in student numbers since 2010, by providing “a fantastic new facility for visual arts and performing arts”.

The University’s acquisition of The Stables site was made possible through the significant support of the Victorian Government.

Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley, who officially opened The Stables on 14 May, said it had “created another landmark for the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which is home to one of the highest concentrations of arts and cultural organisations in the world.”