Sustainability aspiration
The Arts Centre Melbourne aims to increase accessibility to its collections (open, visible storage) and develop an operating model that facilitates this through engagement with the public, through further education and research opportunities. It also aims to increase the storage footprint within existing disused space and improve environmental conditions to be more energy efficient.
The OCM field project
By implementing the “Australian Performing Arts Collection (APAC) Reveal Project”, the Arts Centre Melbourne:
- Improved the storage of many collection objects, improving their long-term preservation.
- Enhanced data for each object rehoused to guide future preservation needs.
- Used the collection to engage with and start conversations with representative focus groups, with a view to increasing the representativeness of the collection.
- Highlighted ‘gaps’ within the collection so that future collecting can become more targeted and more representative of diverse groups.
- Created more storage space within the existing building footprint to support sustainable collection growth.
The project raised the collection profile, which has become more relevant to the organization’s core business.
Despite being in its infancy, the operational model for the open/accessible store enabled the organisation to start with (paid) public tours, industry tours and information events, and school holiday programs. The project and the open storage facility have been used to seek further philanthropy. Recent graduates from conservation and museum studies have been employed and received training through the project.
Digital accessibility of the collection was also improved during the project. Several dedicated online stories were produced to highlight various objects, stories, preservation, and diversity. Two stories focused on indigenous artists, and one was a migrant story. An unforeseen outcome was the positive interactions with living performers, the unique personal anecdotes revealed and the growing of an ongoing relationship with them and their networks. Partnerships were strengthened inside the organisation, including visitor services staff, events, facilities, and education.
OCM toolkit resources used
A Guide to Applying the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
First Peoples: a roadmap for enhancing indigenous engagement in museums and galleries
Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Toolkit for Museums, Heritage and Cultural Institutions
ASTC Equity and Diversity Toolkit: Exhibit, program and audience resources
SDG targets addressed
This OCM field project addressed the SDG targets below. Click on each target to learn more about their meaning, indicators and related tools in the OCM toolkit to help collections-based organizations strengthen their contribution to sustainable development.
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