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Melbourne is widely regarded as the cultural capital of Australia, and for good reasons. The city boasts a vibrant and diverse art scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Melbourne's annual arts grants provide valuable support to artists by offering grants of up to $20,000 for creating any form of art, be it painting, sculpture, dance, writing, film, or production. Whether you are into street art, contemporary art, classical art, or performing arts, you will find something to inspire and delight you in Melbourne. It's no secret why all art lovers from around the world visit Melbourne at least once in their lifetime.
During the 1990s, Melbourne's streetscape began to change with the emergence of street art. One of the city's most renowned street art projects, CityLights, debuted in 1996. It featured lightboxes that could be viewed from various locations free of charge. This project ultimately paved the way for the creation of Hosier Lane, which has since become Australia's most famous street for street art.
The city is home to some of the most talented and creative street artists in the world, who have transformed the walls, alleys, and laneways of Melbourne into an urban art gallery. You can find street art in almost every corner of the city, from the iconic Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane in the CBD, to the colourful Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Brunswick in the inner suburbs.
Street art in Melbourne is not only a form of expression, but also a form of activism, as many artists use their art to raise awareness and challenge social issues. Some of the most famous street artists in Melbourne include Rone, Phibs, Meggs, Reka, Makatron, and Adnate, among many others. You can join one of the many street art tours available in the city, or simply wander around and discover the hidden gems by yourself.
If you prefer a more traditional setting for your art appreciation, Melbourne has plenty of galleries and museums to offer. The city hosts some of the most prestigious and diverse art institutions in the country, such as the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Melbourne Museum, and the Heide Museum of Modern Art. You can see everything from contemporary works by Australian and international artists, to classic pieces by European masters, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, to interactive and immersive exhibits.
Some of the highlights of the Melbourne art scene include the NGV Triennial, a free exhibition that showcases the latest and most innovative art from around the world; the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces, a series of annual exhibitions that feature works from some of the world’s most renowned museums and galleries; and the Melbourne Art Fair, a biennial event that showcases the best of contemporary art from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Melbourne is also a hub for performing arts and festivals, where you can enjoy a variety of shows and events throughout the year. The city has some of the most beautiful and historic theatres in the country, such as the Arts Centre, the Princess Theatre, the Comedy Theatre, and the Athenaeum Theatre, where you can watch musicals, plays, comedy, opera, ballet, and more.
The city also hosts some of the most popular and diverse festivals in the country, such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Melbourne Festival. These festivals celebrate the best of local and international talent, and offer a range of performances, workshops, talks, and screenings for all audiences.
Melbourne has several popular movie theatres, including Cinema Nova, Kino Cinema, Lido Cinema, Palace Westgarth Cinemas, and The Astor Theatre. These theatres offer moviegoers a diverse range of options, from the latest blockbuster releases to independent films and foreign cinema.
If you're travelling by air, the nearest airport to Melbourne is the Melbourne Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or the Skybus to get to your final destination. The Skybus operates every 15 minutes from the airport and drops you off at Spencer Street station. From here, you can take trains, buses, trams or taxis to reach your final destination in Melbourne.
