The Channel is the flagship creative learning hub at Arts Centre Melbourne.
From September, The Channel programs move from Hamer Hall to a new home under the Spire, in the Theatres Building.
The Channel programs span workshops, panel discussions, performances and development opportunities inviting students, artists, musicians, podcasters and creative communities to test new ideas, connect and build their practice.
Events are carefully curated for emerging, mid-career and established artists in mind and executed across three initiatives; PLAY, Schools Engagement and Academy.
We love The Channel, will its programs still be delivered?
Yes! We know there is deep attachment to The Channel, and the programs and projects delivered in the physical space at Hamer Hall.
The Channel programs will continue to be delivered, in a different location within Arts Centre Melbourne, in spaces inside the Theatres Building. Across 2025 and 2026, these programs will take place in The Show Room, and its ancillary rooms.
Why does The Channel need to move?
The Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) will open in Hamer Hall in December 2025. The gallery will extend into the former restaurant site on the side of Hamer Hall, as well as the current site of The Channel . From September 2025, The Channel programs will relocate to the Theatres Building.
Where will The Channel programs be hosted now?
Programs will be delivered in the Theatres Building , primarily across three adjacent and connected spaces.
Stage-based programs will be delivered in The Show Room, an intimate 150-seat studio theatre, directly connected to the Amcor and State Theatre Lounges.
Programs such as classroom and computer-based workshops will take place in the Amcor and State Theatre Lounges.
At times, programs may also take place in other spaces in the Theatres Building. The location will be listed on the event page and confirmed in your pre-event email.
How do I get to The Channel?
The Channel programs are now located in the Theatres Building, Arts Centre Melbourne. Directions and other helpful information about public transport and parking can be found on our Getting Here page.
Your pre-event email confirmation will include directions and specific instructions regarding where to meet.
How do I find out if a performance or program is accessible?
Arts Centre Melbourne event pages are tagged with access icons so you can identify accessible events at a glance. Accessibility information can be found in two places on our event pages:
Dates and Times box: this coloured box is on the right of the page underneath the event photo. It lists the dates and times of performances offering Auslan Interpretation, Audio Description, Relaxed Performances, Close Captions, Open Captions and/or Tactile Tours.
The Notes section: located underneath the main summary of the event. This section generally includes age suitability, warnings, conditions of entry, further details about accessible performances, and access icons.
If you have any questions about the event’s accessibility, please call our contact centre on 1300 182 183.
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