‘The Vinyl Factory: Reverb’ is a multi-sensory experience delving into vinyl culture across music, fashion, art and the social realms
Two of Melbourne’s leading cultural institutions — RISING and ACMI — have announced The Vinyl Factory: Reverb, an ambitious new exhibition opening on May 22 to the end of August.
Originally staged at 180 Studios, the happening brings together highlights from The Vinyl Factory Collection alongside new commissions celebrating two decades of creative collaboration.
Visitors can expect a rich program of major screen-based works, immersive installations, and deep listening experiences, offering a dynamic exploration of how music continues to shape contemporary culture, especially when heard on glorious vinyl, and a cleverly curated ‘Listening Room’.
Spanning continents, cultures and disciplines, Reverb will see works from some of the 21st century’s leading artists and figures who have worked across video, sound and contemporary culture, including German EDM and sound art innovator Carsten Nicolai; celebrated Canadian media artist Stan Douglas; British-Nigerian filmmaker and visual artist Jenn Nkiru; American fashion visionary Virgil Abloh; London-based photographer and video artist Gabriel Moses; and South African artist William Kentridge, amongst other innovators.
Said RISING Artistic Director, Hannah Fox in a recent media release: “Reverb captures the force of music as a cultural engine — how it shapes movements, identity and lasting communities, before adding that “partnering with ACMI to present the exhibition extends RISING’s practice of moving beyond the stage to create new encounters between artists and audiences.”
Being a bit of a party DJ and occasional radio presenter myself, I may have to sell one of my Stantons for a plane ticket to this thing, but it is important to say that this exhibition is not solely for DJs or vinyl purists. While physical records play a central part, the event/exhibition is designed for anyone interested in contemporary culture, the visual arts and music history, promising to connect genres, eras and global audio/visual scenes.
Experiencing the full exhibit ought to be fun and enlightening, showing how sound influences unique identity, helps harness creativity, and is accessible and engaging well beyond dedicated vinyl lovers.
The Vinyl Factory: Reverb is hosted by RISING and the Australian the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne from May 22 to the end of August. Tickets are available through 2026.rising.melbourne.
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