Arts Project Australia presents Open Studio, a series of workshops and demonstrations led by APA artists taking place in the heart of the fair and supported by a City of Melbourne Arts Grant.
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to get involved and try their hand at digital drawing with Kate Knight and James MacSporran, rock out with Danny Lyons or stitch a small soft sculpture car with Chris O’Brien. James Dawes invites you to a listening and drawing party whilst Adrian Lazzaro will imbue your soft toys with a new life through a process of zombification. Join Jordan Dymke to explore self-portraiture through a watercolour painting session and be guided by The Northcote Penguins as you reinterpret your senses into visual art.
Read on to learn more and book your spot in APA’s workshops at this year’s Melbourne Art Fair.
APA Workshops at MAF
Video Hits 2:Screening and artist talk
Presented by Presented by Arts Project Australia artist Danny Lyons, and staff artist Lesley Pinder
Date: Friday 21 February 2025, 1:00-2:00pm
Venue:Arts Project Australia Open Studio, Booth K1, Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf 3006
*Please note that workshop attendees must hold a ticket to Melbourne Art Fair.
Fan Factor:Listening and drawing party
Presented by James Dawes, Carolyn Hawkins, Dani Hakim and Arts Project Australia
Date: Friday 21 February 2025, 4:00-6:00pm
Venue:Arts Project Australia Open Studio, Booth K1, Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf 3006
*Please note that workshop attendees must hold a ticket to Melbourne Art Fair.
Retribution Teddy Bears:Modify a cuddly toy
Presented by Adrian Lazzaro, Kerrie Neilen and Arts Project Australia
Date: Saturday 22 February 2025, 11:00am-1:00pm
Venue:Arts Project Australia Open Studio, Booth K1, Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf 3006
*Please note that workshop attendees must hold a ticket to Melbourne Art Fair.
Receiver Reprise:Let your senses wander
Presented by Arts Project Australia’s Northcote Penguins and staff artist Tom Pendergast
Date: Saturday 22 February 2025, 2:00-4:00pm
Venue:Arts Project Australia Open Studio, Booth K1, Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf 3006
*Please note that workshop attendees must hold a ticket to Melbourne Art Fair.
Midnight Club:Sew a soft sculpture car
Presented by Arts Project Australia artist Chris O’Brien, and staff artist Nic Megchelse
Date: Sunday 23 February 2025, 11:00am-1:00pm
Venue:Arts Project Australia Open Studio, Booth K1, Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf 3006
*Please note that workshop attendees must hold a ticket to Melbourne Art Fair.
Self Reflections:Watercolour workshop
Presented by Arts Project Australia artist Jordan Dymke, and staff artist Suzie Brown
Date: Sunday 23 February 2025, 2:00-4:00pm
Venue:Arts Project Australia Open Studio, Booth K1, Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf 3006
*Please note that workshop attendees must hold a ticket to Melbourne Art Fair.
Funky Forgeries: Procreate workshop
Presented by Arts Project Australia artists Kate Knight, James MacSporran, and staff artist Rob Mchaffie.
Date: Thursday 20 February 2025, 1:00-3:00pm
Venue: Arts Project Australia Open Studio, Booth K1, Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf 3006
Price: This workshop is by invitation only.
Materials provided
Accessibiliy
Wheelchair accessible
Auslan interpreter available on request
Accessible toilets, ramps and lifts are available throughout the venue. Companion cards are accepted.
A quiet space is available inside the venue, please see a Melbourne Art Fair staff member for directions.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is on the bank of the Yarra River in South Wharf. It is a short walk from Melbourne’s central business district and a 20-minute drive from Melbourne Airport.
Enter via Exhibition Door 1. The nearest MCEC entrance is on Clarendon Street.
Getting Here
Catch any train that goes to Southern Cross Station. Get off at Southern Cross Station and take tram number 96, 109 or 112 as above.
The trams listed below stop opposite the Clarendon Street entrance of Melbourne Convention Centre:
Route 96 – St Kilda to East Brunswick
Route 109 – Port Melbourne to Box Hill
Route 12 – Victoria Gardens to St Kilda
Alternatively catch tram number 48 or 70 and get off at the Flinders Street stop. Then take a short walk towards the Yarra River, across the Seafarers Bridge. For further tram timetable information and trip planning, visit the Victorian Public Transport website.
There is paid underground parking available, however pre-booking is required to ensure you are guaranteed a spot*.
Book a spot at MCEC Wilson Parking here. The closest MCEC carpark doors are: 2, 3, 4, 5.
The 50th anniversary Gala Exhibition celebrates APA studio and online artists with over 200 artworks on display and available for purchase, allowing collectors to take pieces home the same night.
