A one-of-a-kind VicTrack asset has become a nationally and internationally recognised hub for contemporary art after becoming part of our community lease program.
The Substation Contemporary Art Space in Newport makes its home in the 110-year-old substation that was constructed to power Melbourne’s suburban rail system.
Decades after it ceased operation in the 1960s, the building was successfully restored by a hardworking group of local residents as Hobsons Bay Community Arts Centre in 2008, later formally adopting the name The Substation.
The Substation is one of over 400 VicTrack community leases. Under the program, not-for-profit organisations lease VicTrack property or land to provide community social and cultural programs.
“The building has been reimagined as one of the country’s most significant homes for contemporary and experimental arts,” The Substation Chief Executive Officer Nuala Furtado said.
“We are able to harness the building’s history through what we present.
“The building’s red bricks and high ceilings make a perfect backdrop to exhibitions and performances.”
Recognised as a leader in multi arts and experimental forms, The Substation has a strong emphasis on contemporary art through its exhibitions and performances. It also operates as a venue for dance classes and community concerts with a year-round calendar of events on offer.
“The building now attracts audiences from around the world and Australia as well as regular attendance from the local community,” Nuala said.
“It’s a much-loved arts asset for Newport and the wider western suburbs.”
The Substation received $10,000 through a VicTrack Community Grant in 2024 to fund a project to improve the venue’s entrance including upgrades to a ramp and heritage ironwork.
“At The Substation we service a broad community of art-goers, including audience members who travel nationally, internationally and locally to attend our annual program of activities,” Nuala explained.
“An important value we hold is ensuring access to those who have mobility needs. With this in mind, ensuring the maintenance and safety of our ramp is a major priority and this grant enabled us to uphold this value.
“This venue is an extremely important community asset that has created countless new opportunities for artists, arts workers and locals to contribute to new Australian stories being told through dance, music/sound, theatre and visual art.
“Maintaining the venue with this project, ensures this legacy can continue.”
A one-of-a-kind VicTrack asset has become a nationally and internationally recognised hub for contemporary art after becoming part of our community lease program.
The Substation Contemporary Art Space in Newport makes its home in the 110-year-old substation that was constructed to power Melbourne’s suburban rail system.
Decades after it ceased operation in the 1960s, the building was successfully restored by a hardworking group of local residents as Hobsons Bay Community Arts Centre in 2008, later formally adopting the name The Substation.
The Substation is one of over 400 VicTrack community leases. Under the program, not-for-profit organisations lease VicTrack property or land to provide community social and cultural programs.
“The building has been reimagined as one of the country’s most significant homes for contemporary and experimental arts,” The Substation Chief Executive Officer Nuala Furtado said.
“We are able to harness the building’s history through what we present.
“The building’s red bricks and high ceilings make a perfect backdrop to exhibitions and performances.”
Recognised as a leader in multi arts and experimental forms, The Substation has a strong emphasis on contemporary art through its exhibitions and performances. It also operates as a venue for dance classes and community concerts with a year-round calendar of events on offer.
“The building now attracts audiences from around the world and Australia as well as regular attendance from the local community,” Nuala said.
“It’s a much-loved arts asset for Newport and the wider western suburbs.”
The Substation received $10,000 through a VicTrack Community Grant in 2024 to fund a project to improve the venue’s entrance including upgrades to a ramp and heritage ironwork.
“At The Substation we service a broad community of art-goers, including audience members who travel nationally, internationally and locally to attend our annual program of activities,” Nuala explained.
“An important value we hold is ensuring access to those who have mobility needs. With this in mind, ensuring the maintenance and safety of our ramp is a major priority and this grant enabled us to uphold this value.
“This venue is an extremely important community asset that has created countless new opportunities for artists, arts workers and locals to contribute to new Australian stories being told through dance, music/sound, theatre and visual art.
“Maintaining the venue with this project, ensures this legacy can continue.”
