Description

Hosting more than 300 workshops, events and performances every year, ArtPlay brings together children (from babies to 13 years of age) and artists to cultivate the next generation of Melbourne creatives. Since 2004, ArtPlay has been offering imaginative encounters that are by, for and with children to explore and create innovative arts experiences that encourage self-expression and playful exchange.

As part of Open House Melbourne, the venue in Birrarung Marr will open its doors to the public to showcase The Future of Toys exhibition and showcase the inventive nature of events they offer to the children of Melbourne.

Featuring artists Ben Paul and Catherine Sewell, The Future of Toys invites kids to reflect on their lives, their city and their futures, and question consumer choices associated with toys, plastic and play. Leading up to this exhibition children at ArtPlay worked with artists and industrial designers; they have pulled apart pre-loved toys and re-purposed the raw materials to create original designs that offer philosophies on a new way of life. Using emerging sustainable technologies, including 3D printing, children have created 20 unique inventions to exhibit, all with their own stories to tell.

Constructed in 1916-17 and prior to becoming a unique child-based arts space, the building was designed for the practical training of railway employees in preparation for the electrification of the railway network. It remains highly intact to clearly demonstrate this uncommon building type in the City of Melbourne.

What's On

The Future of Toys exhibition: Toys are used by everybody to understand and explore the world around us. Sometimes we really like them, but usually we grow out of them. What happens then? We find new things to play with, and our old toys turn into waste. Using emerging sustainable technologies, including 3D printing, children have created 20 unique inventions, all with their own stories to tell.

Come and see their artworks, hear their stories and discover innovative ways to recycle and repurpose materials into new design ideas for the future.