Step Inside The Australian Music Vault
The Australian Music Vault, a new free exhibition space dedicated to sharing the stories of Australian contemporary music and exploring its future, is now open at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Created in collaboration with the music industry and funded by the Victorian Government, the ground-breaking new Australian music experience includes a free exhibition, education programmes and a fully integrated digital programme and showcases items from the iconic people, events and places that define Australian music. Founding patrons include performers Kylie Minogue and Archie Roach, music media guru Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum and entrepreneur Michael Gudinski.
The Australian Music Vault features items from artists that include: Kylie Minogue, Archie Roach, Molly Meldrum, AC/DC, Men at Work, Split Enz, Midnight Oil, The Seekers, Tina Arena, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny O’Keefe, Margaret RoadKnight, Skyhooks, Daddy Cool, Divinyls, Paul Kelly, Jessica Mauboy, Dami Im, Cold Chisel, Missy Higgins, Silverchair, Bliss n Eso, John Farnham, Yothu Yindi, The Saints, Nick Cave, Radio Birdman, Spiderbait, Urthboy, The Go-Betweens, Ngaiire, Ecca Vandal and Courtney Barnett.
Costume worn by AC/DC guitarist Angus Young, c.1973. Photo credit: Arts Centre Melbourne, Australian Performing Arts Collection
The exhibition features rotating content to profile the contributions of as many performers as possible, showcased through themes, with interlinking content encouraging visitors to create and discover unexpected connections across time periods and styles. One of the featured themes, The Real Thing, explores whether or not there really is an “Australian Voice” by looking at musical influences, lyric composition and the impact of performance venues on the Australian ‘sound’. It celebrates the contribution of hit makers and heroes, and also highlights the contributions of lesser known but equally influential performers and industry personnel.
A series of displays highlight the power of music to bring people together across socio-economic, political, gender and geographical boundaries and the notion of ‘musical tribes’. One of the first to be explored is Punk/New Wave, timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of punk. Looking at identity and belonging, this explores the pivotal moment in Australian music between 1977- 1985 with a focus on performers, venues and do it yourself recording, distribution and publishing.
Arts Centre Melbourne is a fitting home for the Australian Music Vault. In addition to being the busiest performing arts centre in the country, it is also home to an extensive Australian music collection and best-practice curatorial, collection management and programming experience.
The music collection is part of Arts Centre Melbourne Australian Performing Arts Collection, the nation’s leading specialist collection documenting Australia’s circus, dance, music, opera and theatre heritage. Established in 1975 and now formally recognised as a State collection, it consists of over 600,000 items including costumes, designs, programs, photographs, posters, personal memorabilia and archival material.
Barry Gibb, John Farnham and Molly Meldrum at The Go-Set Awards, 1970.
Photo credit: Arts Centre Melbourne, Australian Performing Arts Collection
The Victorian Government invested $8.3 million in the creation of the Australian Music Vault as part of its commitment to strengthening the State’s music industry and culture.
Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley says: “Australia has a proud contemporary music history and a proud live music culture, especially here in Victoria. This is an important part of who we are and it’s something to celebrate. Whether it’s Paul Kelly or Kylie Minogue, The Seekers or Rowland S Howard, musicians are our storytellers and provide the narrative and soundtrack to our lives and collective experience.”
Click here for more information about the Australian Music Vault.