In Her Eyes is a contemporary/lyrical dance piece bought to you by Indefinite Dance Company. Together this cast of youth dancers will explore their definition of perception and how they see the world. Choreographed by Casey Chellew and guest choreographer Freya List.
How can we make computers more energy efficient? Our lives revolve around computers, from your desktop and smartphone to your video streaming, the SatNav in your car and your Fitbit. Such technologies use about 8% of all the electricity used on Earth and that figure is predicted to double every decade as our thirst for ever more computing power and devices grows. In this interactive exhibit at the Meat Market […]
A conversation about sovereignty with five knowledge-holders from the Kulin nations. For the opening night of MKW, knowledge-holders from the five Kulin nations will come together for a conversation about what sovereignty means to them. Aboriginal knowledge spans millennia, and the enduring relevance and strength of this knowledge has the power to create lasting, positive change in Australia. But how can Aboriginal knowledge-holders share and use their knowledge while maintaining […]
What does a seesaw think about? Take a ride on this semi-intelligent see-saw, and chat with it and each other about the challenges that face us. As you enjoy the opportunity to ride, speak, and listen, remember that Pivot is programmed to consider all words it hears, and is reflecting your own views and the views of many others. Maybe the centre cannot hold. You can talk with Pivot in […]
Weigh the evidence and decide the verdict in a citizen’s trial against the common myna bird. Introduced to Australia over 150 years ago, the Common Myna, a bird species often referred to collectively as ‘flying rats’ or the ‘cane toads of the sky’, stands accused of rampant ecological lawlessness; of wreaking havoc on native birds, overcrowding available habitats, and interfering with human infrastructure. In response, Myna communities are currently being […]
Explore how future lifestyles will impact the electricity and tech industries. How can understanding our social future improve electricity sector planning and shape Melbourne’s emerging technology? Join researchers from Monash University’s Emerging Technologies Research Lab to investigate findings from their Digital Energy Futures (DEF) project. This project aims to understand and forecast changing digital lifestyle trends and social practices, and their impact on the future energy needs of Australian households. […]
With a digital guide, children will playfully experience MKW in their own way. Play is a necessary developmental tool across all stages of childhood, however, opportunities for playful thinking in children over seven years of age are being lost. Artist Jessica Wilson developed Child Nation to create a space to foster these playful experiences and allow children to explore the world around them from different perspectives. Child Nation is a custom set […]
Can we re-route surveillance capitalism to serve rather than observe citizens? While a new push for privacy and control over our data and personal content is underway, how can we create a future where advances in technology and data use benefit all rather than the few? Join The Intelligence Service as an undercover agent in this hands-on workshop, which will see the Meat Market Hub’s auditorium transformed into an operations […]
Explore the world’s big ideas at the City of Melbourne pop-up library. Contemplate some of the big ideas explored during Melbourne Knowledge Week at the City of Melbourne pop-up knowledge library. Browse a curated collection of books that delve into important future-focused topics, chat to friendly librarians and relax in the chillout lounge. City of Melbourne’s libraries are spaces for curiosity, learning and imagination, welcoming people to read, connect, create […]
Three leading entrepreneurs join Tom Dawkins to share their thoughts on social entrepreneurship. What does “entrepreneurship for the rest of us” mean, and why does it matter? To open the full-day event, Entrepreneurship for the rest of us, Tom Dawkins, StartSomeGood CEO, will provide his opening remarks and framing thoughts on this topic. Three successful social entrepreneurs will then reflect and share their journeys and perspectives in a panel discussion. All […]
Experience an interactive performance lecture about the future of pop music, DNA databases and genetic surveillance. It’s 2050 and two hard-bitten Melbourne cops are attempting to track down the killer of one member of the world’s most famous boy band: LoveTeam. This interactive theatre show will take on four different possible futures for what the world of 2050 might look like, but in only one does Nick LoveTeam’s killer get […]
An evening of Torres Strait Islander food, song and stories hosted by Mabu Mabu. Enjoy a series of dishes inspired by the story of Gelam that takes you on a journey from land to sea and back again. The dishes recreate the creation story of Dauar and Waier, Islands off the coast of Mer Island in the Torres Strait. Each course will link to different chapters in the story with […]
A live performance of Sui Zhen’s latest album, confronting loss and mortality. Experimental pop and performance artist Sui Zhen was just about to head to Japan to work on her third album when her mum was diagnosed with cancer. She pushed on with the album in between providing palliative care in her family home, and as a result Losing, Linda examines loss on multiple levels – from the death of […]
In this workshop, children will explore their creativity as they turn old toys into something new. How long does it take for kids to get bored with new toys? According to surveys by the British Heart Foundation, the novelty often wears off in just 36 days. At this workshop children (aged 7–12) can focus on a future that inspires by turning pre-loved toys into new objects. Children are invited to […]
Can animals and humans coexist as urban citizens? Wild City is a mini urban landscape that considers animals as citizens. Originally created by artist Kathy Holowko in collaboration with over 60 children, Wild City will be presented as a thriving, green metropolis shared equally by humans and animals. At the week-long exhibition, children may become field naturalists and explore the landscape using a check sheet, searching for animals and their […]
Na Djinang Circus See a stunning acrobatic performance linking people, country and culture, where the unseen bonds between the body and the land become beautifully visible. This enchanting Na Djinang Circus performance explores the ancient connections tying First Nations people together, strong through bloodlines but irreparably damaged through colonisation. Four performers—led by award-winning circus entertainer Harley Mann (Wakka Wakka)—connect with each other physically and spiritually in a display of breathtaking […]
Briefs Factory International BRED is an artistic interrogation by some creative savages featuring a token white fella ally. A contemporary and surreal physical theatre work armed with a tongue-in-bleak look at the history of Australian and Oceanic statements of relationship meanings, identity complexities, belief systems and the impact of superiority dysmorphia. A work which manifests the celebration of the individual and the salvaging of cultural connections. Featuring acts across theatre, drag, music, dance, performance […]
MATADOR la experiencia - An immersive fusion of live music, Spanish street food, dance, circus and burlesque. APRIL 20TH - MAY 8TH MEAT MARKET | North Melbourne *Doors open 1.5 hours before the show for live entertainment. Food and beverage trucks will be available (not included in ticket price) On Fridays & Saturdays, VIP ticket holders and Premium Seat holders have access to an after party with a live Latin band and […]
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Radiohead at the Meat Market under the gentle glow of candlelight. General Info 📅 Dates and times: 22 December at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (select during purchase) ⏳ Duration: 65 minutes (doors open 30 mins prior to the start […]
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of anime soundtracks at Meat Market under the gentle glow of candlelight. General Info 📍 Venue: Meat Market 📅 Dates and times: 16 March at 6:30 p.m. ⏳ Duration: 65 minutes (doors open 30 mins prior to the start time and late entry […]
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at Meat Market under the gentle glow of candlelight. General Info 📍 Venue: Meat Market 📅 Dates and times: 16 March at 8:30 p.m. ⏳ Duration: 65 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and […]
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Amy Winehouse at Meat Market under the gentle glow of candlelight. General Info 📍 Venue: Meat Market 📅 Dates and times: 17 March at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (select during purchase) ⏳ Duration: 65 minutes (doors open 30 mins […]
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at Meat Market under the gentle glow of candlelight. General Info 📍 Venue: Meat Market 📅 Dates and times: 18 March December at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (select during purchase) ⏳ Duration: 65 minutes (doors open 30 mins […]
SELF is a contemporary/lyrical dance piece bought to you by the youth dancers of Indefinite Dance Company. Exploring the journey of self discovery. Who we are and who we want to be. Choreographed by Casey Chellew featuring a piece by Rob McLean
An immersive fusion of live music, Spanish street food, dance, circus and burlesque..
Inspired by a tale as old as time, MATADOR is a fiery fusion of burlesque, dance and jaw-dropping circus acts.
Step into the heart of the festival and journey into a world reimagined. Led through sovereignty, held by the strength of our ancestors and pulled forward by the love of our future generations.
A program created to entertain not only the little bubups but the big bubups too, our relaxed and safe atmosphere is perfect for families to get involved and try something new!
A biopunk drag cabaret show set in the Bioship, a craft of phtyo-technology, taking you through Alluvium
Prepare to laugh your hole out with Australia’s funniest First Nations comedians in an all Blak, all female comedy spectacular.
“What Watego seeks instead of hope is “the emancipatory possibility of not giving a f”ck” – Declan Fry, The Guardian.
FIRST NATIONS FASHION SHOW Step into a world of First Nations futurism. Prepare to be immersed in a runway extravaganza like you’ve never experienced before. This runway will explore the concept of a post-apocalyptic world through the lens of First peoples, expect a diverse display of bold designs, strong messages & most importantly a celebration of resistance & survival. Redefining what First Nations fashion looks like. Join us in a […]
Sorbaes is the creative endeavour of multidisciplinary artist and public figure, Soju Gang – focusing on gathering performers from all the corners of Melbourne’s diverse music scene and bringing them all together for a “flavour taste testing” experience. First breaking out in 2021, for the past three years Sidney Myer Music Bowl has been Sorbaes’ home – being a space for all walks of life to be part of the […]
Wood Dust is a multi-faceted four-day woodworking festival that will stimulate all your woodworking senses.
“I want to feel this free all the time” - Dan Daw After having spent a lifetime being an inspiration to others, queer disabled performance-maker Dan Daw is finally seizing the moment to inspire himself. Taking ownership of the beautiful mess that encompasses all that he is, Dan lets go of who he once was to make room for who he wants to be. He's joined in an intimate evening […]
Sour, Funk & Wild Beer & Food Festival
We're taking part in OpenHouse this year! Come see our beautiful building- The team will be hosting historical tous of Meat Market this OpenHouse. The building features original cobblestone floors, period fretwork, stone arches, and a captivating barrel vaulted ceiling. These historic elements are juxtaposed with contemporary features such as a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting rig, making Meat Market a unique and inspiring space for any event.
a contemporary/lyrical dance piece bought to you by the senior dancers of Indefinite Dance Company
Prepare to be amazed by the BOSS SQUAD Project! This electrifying circus extravaganza is the result of an exciting collaboration between the seasoned circus professionals of BOSS SQUAD and Melbourne's up-and-coming teenage circus sensations. Brought to you by Wildhouse Circus and Women’s Circus, with the generous support of Creative Australia, this show is a testament to the incredible potential of our youth. Featuring a dazzling array of high-level circus skills, the BOSS SQUAD Project showcases not […]