FAQ
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What is the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art?
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ACCA is a public art gallery presenting artwork by major International and Australian artists.
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What makes ACCA different?
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ACCA is not a museum. It does not have a permanent collection like most public art galleries. In the European tradition of the Kunsthalle, ACCA is focussed on the commissioning of new artworks which are created especially for ACCA’s large exhibition spaces as well as the presentation of major survey exhibitions by important artists.
Many of the artworks commissioned by ACCA do end up in important public and private art collections.
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What is a Kunsthalle?
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A German word, Kunsthalle means exhibition hall.
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How long has ACCA been established?
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The original ACCA was situated in a small cottage in Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens for over 20 years before it was re-launched in its new building in Southbank in 2002.
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Who designed the building?
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Local architectural firm, Wood Marsh.
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What is the building made from?
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ACCA’s rusty brown exterior is made from a specialist architectural steel product developed by BHP called Corten Steel. It is manufactured with a protective rust coating. The interior walls of the foyer are made from inter-pressed metal and glass.
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Does ACCA have disabled access including car parking?
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Yes, ACCA has wheelchair access and disabled toilets, and there are two disabled parking spaces directly outside the entrance in Sturt Street.
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Can I take photographs in the gallery?
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Photography without the use of a flash is permitted in the gallery, but a consent form needs to be completed and signed at reception beforehand.
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How can I find out more about the artists exhibited at ACCA?
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You can download sound files from this website featuring interviews with curators and artists. Sound files can be downloaded to your own computer or MP3 player, or you can borrow an iPod containing the sound files when you visit the gallery. This is a free service.
ACCA also has a resource area located in its foyer with information about exhibited artists including past catalogues, books and articles.
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Do I need to book for school group tours?
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Yes, bookings are essential. Please contact Shelley Hinton, Education and Public Programs Manager weekdays on 03 9697 9907.
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How much do ACCA education program talks and tours cost?
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All talks and tours are FREE. ACCA is committed to providing access to all its exhibitions and education programs at no cost.
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Do I need to book for Look Who’s Talking on Sunday afternoons?
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No, you can just turn up on the day - and it’s FREE.
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Does ACCA accept artist proposals?
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ACCA does not accept proposals. Artists are selected for inclusion in the exhibiton program which is overseen by ACCA's Artistic Director Juliana Engberg.
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How can I join ACCA’s mailing list?
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You can join our mailing list by providing your details at Mailing list. We will keep you informed by email of upcoming exhibitions and events.
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How do I become a volunteer at ACCA?
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Becoming a volunteer at ACCA is a great way to become more involved in contemporary art. ACCA relies on the work of volunteers to provide support and assistance with front of house duties, events and other activities.
For more information go to our Volunteer page.
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Is the building available for hire?
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ACCA is one of Melbourne most exciting event hire venues. Contact Jen Mizuik weekdays by email or on 03 9697 9902 for venue hire enquiries.
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Do I need permission to take photographs of the outside of the building?
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Yes. All photographic shoots, including weddings, which take place onsite need a permit. Contact Jen Mizuik weekdays be email or on 03 9697 9902 for enquiries.
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What is Vault?
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Ron Robertson-Swann’s controversial sculpture Vault, popularly known as ‘Yellow Peril’ is located next to ACCA. It is one of Australia’s best known public artworks because of the outcry generated when it was first commissioned in 1980. ACCA is pleased to provide a home for it. Vault is owned and managed by City of Melbourne.
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What is the Helen Macpherson Smith Commission?
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Commencing in 2005 with the generous assistance of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, this annual commission provides a different Victorian artist each year with the opportunity to create a major project to be exhibited at ACCA. The work is then gifted to a regional gallery. Artists are selected by ACCA’s Artistic Director.
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