Can you tell me how much my theatre memorabilia / artwork is worth?
No. Curators are not permitted or qualified to provide valuations or appraisals of material for members of the general public. For a list of valuers qualified to value material under the Federal Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.
Do you want my old theatre programmes?
The Performing Arts Collection houses approximately 50,000 programmes donated by individuals and performing arts companies over the past 30 years. We have complete holdings for most major performing arts companies in Melbourne and have ongoing deposit arrangements with many of them. We are currently looking for programmes representing less mainstream performers and companies.
How can I help support the Collections?
There are many ways in which you can help support the Arts Centre’s Collections. You may like to make a financial contribution to our Acquisition Fund, or make a bequest in support of the Collections through the Arts Centre's Philanthropy department. Alternatively, if you are interesting in volunteering your time you may like to join our waiting list to join our Collection Volunteer Program.
How do you choose new material for the Collections?
The Arts Centre's Collections have been largely developed by generous donations of culturally significant material by members of the general public. Material may be gifted through outright donation, bequest or through the Federal Government’s Cultural Gifts Program which provides tax deductions for the donation of highly significant cultural material. Material offered by sale or donation is assessed regularly by the Centre’s Collection Development Group in line with our Collection Development Policy.
Who uses the Arts Centre’s Collections?
The Collections are used regularly for exhibition and research by staff, curators, historians, performers, writers, publishers and members of the general public. Research outcomes have included family histories, plays, articles, books, films and documentaries. The Arts Centre also runs an active loans program lending cultural material to institutions interstate and overseas.