The Performing Arts Collection Directory provides visitors with an overview of what is in the Collection. Where a name is highlighted, further information can be accessed including biographical and historical information, holdings detail and lists, links to related holdings within the Performing Arts Collection and links to related sites.
For further details, such as the quantity of holdings and collections that are not represented in the Directory, we suggest that you contact the Research Service Access Co-ordinator on (03) 9281 8446.
Circus Collection
- As the official national archive to the circus industry, the Arts Centre plays a leading role in the preservation of circus material and traditions in Australia. This task is facilitated by a committed, enthusiastic circus network.
Dance Collection
- The Arts Centre’s dance collection traces the history of dance in Australia from the late nineteenth century to today.
Music Collection
- The Arts Centre’s commitment to collecting and documenting popular performance is well illustrated by its music collection.
Opera Collection
- The Arts Centre’s opera collection features the world’s largest and most significant collection of material relating to the career of soprano Dame Nellie Melba.
Theatre Collection
- The Arts Centre’s theatre collection is its most diverse. Material relating to all aspects of traditional and contemporary theatre including drama, comedy, magic, musicals, puppetry, vaudeville and variety is represented.
Supporting Collection
- As outlined in our Collection Development Policy, our key collecting areas focus primarily on material relating to the history of circus, dance, music, opera and theatre. In recognition of the individuals that cross over multiple performance disciplines, we also hold photographic, textile, and paper-based items relating to film, radio, recording and television.