Abbotsford Convent

Abbotsford Convent A living place for curiosity and collaboration, meeting and meaning. The heart of a creative community. A precinct of art, culture and learning.
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Just four kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD and spread over 16 acres, Abbotsford Convent is Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct—a place of art, culture and learning. Renowned for its rich history, its striking built and natural landscapes, and the remarkable community-led campaign to preserve it from commercial development, the site was enshrined on Australia’s National Heritage List in 2017. To

day, this nationally and internationally unique precinct is managed by the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, a not-for-profit, social enterprise. The Convent is home to a vibrant creative community, wellbeing practitioners, galleries, cafes, a radio station, a school, and an abundance of green open space. We are passionate about working collaboratively with artists and partnering with arts and cultural organisations to present contemporary, thought-provoking and enriching experiences for all to enjoy. And every year we curate and also welcome over 2,000 art projects, rehearsals, workshops, exhibitions, private and corporate events, markets and festivals. At the Convent we celebrate creativity, inclusivity, wellbeing and community enrichment—both onsite and online. We look forward to welcoming you to our special place!

05/06/2026

"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵."

Across 16 acres of heritage buildings and grounds, the Convent has become somewhere hundreds come every day to make, gather, learn, connect, and belong.

Places like this exist because people choose that they should.
This year, that choice matters more than ever.

With no recurrent government funding and rising costs across our layered historic site, safeguarding the Convent as an open and accessible place for everyone depends on community support.

Be part of something made by many.

Be part of something Convent.

https://bit.ly/45CHeY4

Desk space available | Design by Nature 🍃 Two desk spaces are available in this stunning light-filled Mercator Building ...
03/06/2026

Desk space available | Design by Nature 🍃

Two desk spaces are available in this stunning light-filled Mercator Building studio.

Warm, plant-filled and full of creative energy, the studio has high ceilings, timber floors, large windows overlooking gum trees, shared lounge and meeting areas, a kitchenette, wi-fi, storage options and regular cleaning.

Set beside the Birrarung/Yarra River and Collingwood Children’s Farm, and close to eateries, bike paths and easy parking, it’s an inspiring, peaceful base for creatives who value purpose, beauty and connection to nature.

To enquire, please reach out to [email protected]

Images courtesy of Design by Nature.

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻.⚡ Music, experimental performance, immersive installation, film and conte...
01/06/2026

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻.⚡

Music, experimental performance, immersive installation, film and contemporary art unfold across the precinct this winter, transforming heritage buildings and atmospheric spaces after dark.

Featuring Laundry Sessions, Akio Suzuki & Hiromi Miyakita, Lucrecia Dalt, Odeya Nini, Liam Keenan & J. WLSN, Amby Downs, Ai Yamamoto, Maria Moles and Chloë Sobek, The Sky After Rain by Blame the Shadows, Ecological Adaptation by Yandell Walton, Queenie, WILSN, Nkechi and Kasinda Faase's Agaracha Orchestra.

🔗 Explore the full program and join us this winter.
https://abbotsfordconvent.com.au/winterlive-2026/

Image: Lucrecia Dalt – A Danger to Ourselves. Image by Sammy Oortman Gerlings.

Warm up this season with Cello Yoga 🌀 Each 90-minute session includes a grounding and reflective yoga practice led by Mi...
30/05/2026

Warm up this season with Cello Yoga 🌀

Each 90-minute session includes a grounding and reflective yoga practice led by Michelle Li to a live performance by Conrad Hamill.

Beginning with breathwork, the session leads into a gentle vinyasa-style flow that eases tension and invites deep relaxation into your nervous system. The live music, crafted uniquely for meditation, becomes a guide, syncing with your breath, inviting a profound reconnection to the self.

Sunday 7 June
Oratory

🔗 Discover more via link in bio

29/05/2026

If the Convent has ever been part of your story, this is the moment to be part of ours.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗔𝗯𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗜𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴.

Every day, people move through our precinct in different ways, for coffee and conversation, exhibitions and performances, workshops, walks through the gardens, moments of celebration, reflection or quiet connection.

But places like ours don’t sustain themselves. They exist because people choose that they should. And this year, that matters more than ever.

With no recurrent government funding, we’re inviting our community to help keep the Convent open, creative and accessible for everyone, today and tomorrow.

The Convent is loved, made, shared, grown and sustained by many. Continue being part of it.

Please consider donating via the link below. Every contribution helps.

https://bit.ly/45CHeY4

14/05/2026

Snippets of Design Week Day 1 💥

Discover these works and so many more by 230+ of Australia’s leading design names and inspiring newcomers in a stunning range of exhibitions, installations and opportunities — all right here at the Convent.

14 — 24 May

🔗 Discover the program


𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠.For one night only, explore a curated selection of exhibition...
30/04/2026

𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠.

For one night only, explore a curated selection of exhibitions in a more intimate setting, discovering Design Week in a whole new light.

Meet the creatives and collectives, take a wander and engage closely with the ideas behind each piece.

With seasonal food offerings, drinks by Minimum Wines and Bodriggy Brewing, and a vinyl DJ at Cam's Kiosk to end the evening, 𝘜𝘗 𝘓𝘈𝘛𝘌 is the perfect way to celebrate this dynamic festival.

𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝘆
𝟱𝗽𝗺 — 𝟵𝗽𝗺

This event is free, but capacity is limited.
🔗 Register to ensure your spot: https://bit.ly/4vZZJAr

Melbourne Design Week is almost here, and what better way to explore the program than by joining a walking tour hosted b...
28/04/2026

Melbourne Design Week is almost here, and what better way to explore the program than by joining a walking tour hosted by design editor and journalist, Alice Blackwood () and presented by the National Gallery of Victoria.

On this two hour tour, you'll visit a selection of highlights from the Convent's Design Week program, and learn more about Australian architecture and design from an industry expert along the way.

Highlights include:
𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗦 by Friends & Associates
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 by Isabel Avendaño Hazbún and Raven Mahon
𝗔𝗿𝘂𝗺 by Tom Fereday
𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗶𝗗𝗘 by Local Design and Emma Elizabeth
and 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 by Studio Shields

𝟭𝟱 & 𝟭𝟲 𝗠𝗮𝘆
𝟭𝟬.𝟯𝟬𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭.𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

🔗 Discover more and book: https://bit.ly/42zWPom

—



Image by

Today, 27 April 2026, marks 22 years since the Abbotsford Convent Coalition received the keys to this special place on b...
27/04/2026

Today, 27 April 2026, marks 22 years since the Abbotsford Convent Coalition received the keys to this special place on behalf of the community — the result of a long and tenacious campaign to save the Convent site from commercial redevelopment.

Thanks to this inspiring group of people, we've been able to spend 22 years working alongside creatives far and wide, supporting tenants and resident artists, delivering programs for all the many pillars of our community, and most importantly, providing a free, open space that allows arts, culture and education to thrive.

22 years ago today, the Convent was saved by the community, for the community, and for this we are endlessly grateful.

🔗 Read more about the campaign: https://abbotsfordconvent.com.au/about/history/timeline/

Mother’s Day is almost here 🫶Whether it be a mother, an aunt, grandmother or wise older woman, we all have special mothe...
25/04/2026

Mother’s Day is almost here 🫶

Whether it be a mother, an aunt, grandmother or wise older woman, we all have special mother figures who support and nurture us.

Whether your person leans towards art, gardening, books, or simply a long lunch, the Convent offers a combination of nature, culture, creativity and good food, creating the perfect place to celebrate mothers and mother figures in all their forms.

🔗 Read more via link in bio.

Introducing The Dream Keeper — a new children's picture book written and illustrated by Anna Walker 💭 Beyond the city an...
23/04/2026

Introducing The Dream Keeper — a new children's picture book written and illustrated by Anna Walker 💭

Beyond the city and over the sea is a forest of dreams. At the edge of the forest lives a turtle – the Dream Keeper. In a small boat, the turtle sets off on a tumultuous journey to deliver dreams to sleeping souls in the nearby city.

Meanwhile, a young girl, scared in the night by the shadows in her room, finds comfort in her toys ... but cannot sleep. As both stories unfold side by side, the girl and the turtle must each harness their courage and overcome their fears as their worlds collide in the most wonderful, magical way.

The Dream Keeper launches Friday, 1 May.
🔗 Discover more: https://bit.ly/48i6Gmc

Images by Jessica Tremp

Introducing Amfora Studio 🌟 𝘈𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘢 takes its name from the ancient clay vessels that built Monte Testaccio, a hill in Ro...
22/04/2026

Introducing Amfora Studio 🌟

𝘈𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘢 takes its name from the ancient clay vessels that built Monte Testaccio, a hill in Rome constructed entirely from the broken remains of millions of Roman amphorae.

Carefully terraced and standing 35 metres high, it is the largest deposit of human-made objects on earth. A monument to ordinary things, made with care, that became something extraordinary.

That’s the spirit behind this studio. Founded by ceramicist and exhibiting artist Monica Vecchiotti, Amfora is a ceramics space with wheels, kilns, and everything you need to learn to work with clay, with no pretension, no prior experience, and no talent required.

Amfora Studio will be offering term courses, one off workshops, kids sessions and corporate opportunities. Keep an eye out for more!

🔗 Discover more: https://amfora.studio/

𝘈𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 , 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.

Next month, stock up on accessories, beauty and homewares at ARTISAN MARKET.Showcasing a curated selection of small, ind...
21/04/2026

Next month, stock up on accessories, beauty and homewares at ARTISAN MARKET.

Showcasing a curated selection of small, independently owned, Australian designed businesses, ARTISAN MARKET is brought to you by Revival Runway, a nonprofit volunteer org that supports independent fashion brands with runway shows, internships, fashion shoots and more.

Sunday 10 May
10am – 3pm

🔗 Discover more: https://abbotsfordconvent.com.au/event/artisan-market/

The Enormous Radio 📻 This week, we got a sneak peek of this incredible new work by current Artist in Residence followin...
19/04/2026

The Enormous Radio 📻

This week, we got a sneak peek of this incredible new work by current Artist in Residence following an in-depth development period in the Industrial School.

Drawing on machine learning, movement detectors, voice enhancers and translation software, The Enormous Radio is a theatrical audio installation that decodes interspecies communication, delivering uncanny messages from the animal world.

The Enormous Radio was built in collaboration with and and is supported by Abbotsford Convent, .made and .

🔗 Discover more about the project at roslynoades.com

Just announced — Abbotsford Convent is joining National Gallery of Victoria as a major hub for Melbourne Design Week 202...
10/04/2026

Just announced — Abbotsford Convent is joining National Gallery of Victoria as a major hub for Melbourne Design Week 2026. ✨

For 11 dynamic days, we’re thrilled to be part of the city-wide celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, and home to more than 230 designers.

From 14–24 May, we’ll feature 20+ exhibitions, installations, workshops, launches, tours and conversations, bringing together Australia’s leading design names and a new generation shaping contemporary practice.

Across our heritage buildings and iconic venues and shared open spaces, discover design in all its forms across the Convent precinct.

🔗 Discover the program: https://bit.ly/3OrzTEt

Image: 100 CHAIRS by Friends & Associates.
Photo courtesy of Tom Kin.

08/04/2026

Setting the stage for Sea of Light 🌊

Over the next four days, we’re inviting little ones to join us for this stunning interactive installation by .

With a few sweet surprises courtesy of and a whole lot of luminescent magic, Convent Kids transforms our heritage space into a playground for imaginations big and small.

🔗 Book now: https://tickets.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/Events/Sea-of-Light

Your school holiday itinerary, sorted 🤩We’ve pulled together 12 of the best ways to keep small hands busy at the Convent...
03/04/2026

Your school holiday itinerary, sorted 🤩

We’ve pulled together 12 of the best ways to keep small hands busy at the Convent this season — spanning arts, education and a little bit of animal love.

🔗 Read more via link in bio.

02/04/2026

LONG WEEKEND SALE — $10 tickets 🌟🌊

Now's the time to book your tickets to Sea of Light by Patch Theatre and Convent Kids.

Over four days, little ones are invited to embark on a journey of light and imagination in the illuminating interactive installation. With a UV torch as your paintbrush, paint and stencil your own voyage and steer ships that leave glowing paths of light in their wake.

Sea of Light runs 9 — 12 April.

🎟️ Book your tickets by 11.59pm, Monday 6 April to claim the discount!

𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 — 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥.

🔗 Find out more: https://bit.ly/4t2qW39

Open as usual for the long weekend — with perfect weather to pop by for a coffee and a wander ☀️ 📸 by Matthew Alessandr...
02/04/2026

Open as usual for the long weekend — with perfect weather to pop by for a coffee and a wander ☀️

📸 by Matthew Alessandrini.

This week in St Heliers Street Gallery, discover 'We Come in Pieces' — a new series of works by .Brad Gunn is a Melbourn...
30/03/2026

This week in St Heliers Street Gallery, discover 'We Come in Pieces' — a new series of works by .

Brad Gunn is a Melbourne-based sculptor working with a range of contemporary materials and traditional techniques to create pieces inspired by science fiction, abstract art and Renaissance.

Focusing on characters and otherworldly themes, Gunn's sculptures present an askew reflection of a known world that feels familiar yet alien.

2 — 26 April
St Heliers Street Gallery

🔗 Discover more: https://bit.ly/4s4UvjM

Meet the artists behind Sea of Light 🌊 Geoff Cobham is the Artistic Director of Patch Theatre and one of Australia’s lea...
29/03/2026

Meet the artists behind Sea of Light 🌊

Geoff Cobham is the Artistic Director of Patch Theatre and one of Australia’s leading culture professionals, with over 40 years’ experience collaborating in all forms of theatre.

His artistic reputation both nationally and internationally comes from an outstanding multi-award-winning career working with several of Australia’s foremost arts organisations and events. He spent ten years as Associate Director of dance theatre Force Majeure, five years as resident designer at State Theatre Company South Australia and has worked in senior management roles at Sydney Festival, Adelaide Festival and WOMAD.

Geoff founded Bluebottle in 1998, an award-winning lighting design company which integrates outstanding lighting design into theatres, galleries, installations, architecture, exhibitions and music.

He has a long and notable history with Patch Theatre, having worked on a variety of productions including The Fastest Boy, Emily Loves to Bounce and Me & My Shadow before taking the reins as Artistic Director in 2018. While at Patch, Geoff has created in-theatre works 𝘡𝘖𝘖𝘖𝘔, 𝘐 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘩…, and 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦 and installation works 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘚𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, and 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳.

Experience Geoff's work with Sea of Light by Patch Theatre and Convent Kids, running from 9 — 12 April.

🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/4t2qW39

Image: Geoff Cobham by Sia Duff.

Open studios 🎨Avoid the rain this weekend and discover wares designed and created at the Convent by some of the talented...
27/03/2026

Open studios 🎨

Avoid the rain this weekend and discover wares designed and created at the Convent by some of the talented artists that make up our creative community.

Shop textiles, homewares, jewellery, plants and more, and take a peek at some of the stunning studios within our Heritage precinct.

🔗 Plan your trip with our Makers Map, available via link in bio.

Image by

Take a peek inside Sea of Light 🌊 These school holidays, little ones get to dive into this beautiful interactive install...
25/03/2026

Take a peek inside Sea of Light 🌊

These school holidays, little ones get to dive into this beautiful interactive installation by Patch Theatre. Over four days, children will be handed a UV torch and invited to become artists of light. They’ll paint and stencil with their tailored tools, and steer glowing ships that leave luminous trails in their wake.

As families explore the space, artworks by contemporary Aboriginal visual artist Elizabeth Close are revealed across the sea floor in light, referencing the deep connection between land and sea, earth and waterways, reflecting the deep relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia have with Country.

9 — 12 April
Oratory

🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/4t2qW39

Images by Matt Byrne.

The annual National Trust Vintage Sale is open 🌟Whether you’re a fashion lover, conscious shopper, fierce collector (or ...
20/03/2026

The annual National Trust Vintage Sale is open 🌟

Whether you’re a fashion lover, conscious shopper, fierce collector (or all of the above), stop by to find your new favourite pieces this weekend.

Plus, all proceeds made on the day support ’s mission to conserve and protect Victoria’s heritage.

21 — 22 March
Magdalen Laundry

🔗 Discover more

Embark on a journey of light and imagination in an illuminating interactive installation by Patch Theatre and Convent Ki...
20/03/2026

Embark on a journey of light and imagination in an illuminating interactive installation by Patch Theatre and Convent Kids 🌊

With a UV torch as your paintbrush, paint and stencil your own voyage and steer ships that leave glowing paths of light in their wake.

Featuring artworks by Contemporary Aboriginal Visual Artist Elizabeth Close and a gentle soundscape by composer Rob Edwards, Sea of Light creates a unique adventure for the whole family that speaks to the connection between land and sea, the earth and waterways; informed by the diversity of the Australian landscape.

Sea of Light
9 — 12 April 2026

Discover more: https://bit.ly/4aYrH5E

--

Image by Matt Byrne.

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1 Street Heliers St Abbotsford
Melbourne, VIC
3067

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