An exhibition exploring themes of access, memory, performance, identity and representation.
Artwork by Lisa Pownall, 2025, ceramic sculptures, installation detail. Photo by Christo Crocker (detail)
The Arts Access Victoria X Australian Performing Arts Collection (APAC) Artist in Residence program brought together three artists from Arts Access Victoria’s Artstop Studio. They took part in a unique creative research residency inside Arts Centre Melbourne’s APAC archive at Hamer Hall. Artstop is an inclusive multi-arts studio for Deaf and Disabled artists. It supports creative expression, experimentation, artistic growth and public engagement.
During the residency, artists Alicia Peterson, Danny Do and Lisa Pownall were given exclusive access to APAC, viewing key objects, archives and stories from the Collection’s 875,000 items celebrating circus, dance, music, opera and theatre. They used research, conversation and experimentation to create new work. Through their own distinct styles, they made new pieces that explore access, memory, performance, identity and representation.
Their work will be shown in an exhibition during Alter State 2026 in the Level 8 Foyers, Arts Centre Melbourne Theatres Building. The exhibition will showcase the artists’ research, ideas and creative discoveries.
Wednesday 2 December, 5.30 pm
Please join us for artist talks to celebrate and launch the exhibition. Meet the artists and learn more about their process, responding to the APAC archives.
Launch Accessibility: All speeches will be Auslan Interpreted and Open Captions will be provided during speeches.
Tactile Tours enhance the experience for people who are blind or have low vision. It gives you a chance to feel the key elements of the artworks.
For more information about the tour or how to book, please click this link.
Alter State has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, Office for the Arts and Screen Australia.
Wheelchair Access
Auslan
Audio Description
Touch or tactile tour
