How it works:

Formerly known as Discord 879, MUSE is a revival of what began in 2019, and is VCA's first ever student-led performing arts festival.

Presented over three days between semesters, it is an entirely student-organsied takeover of Building 879, that revels in the oft-unorganised methods of our student cohort, and is an opportunity for involved artists to experience a festival season in a low-stakes and supportive environment.

From theatrical dramas to feats of contemporary dance, MUSE is a hotspot for creative expression, and is a festival not to be missed.

  • The program for MUSE changes each year, as each new generation of students take to the stage.

    Works presented previously include one on one immersive experiences, two-act dramas, live music, clowning duos, and more.

    MUSE also launched Mess in 2024, a program designed to highlight works-in-progress, with a relaxed, feedback-focused approach. Works in this program are raw, unfinished, and highly engaging.

    Additionally, MUSE welcomes students to show off their artistic side, through the inclusion of a gallery space. Functioning as an activated quiet space, the gallery is a place to unwind, relax, and immerse yourself in the works of contemporary art by Faculty of Fine Arts and Music students.

  • Tickets to MUSE are completely free, so everyone can join in the celebration! Each ticket serves as a day pass, giving you access to all the shows and events happening on the date listed on your ticket. While tickets won’t cost a thing, we welcome donations to help sustain and grow the festival into the future.

    Please register a free ticket to attend MUSE and receive program updates. Please note, attendees must register a ticket to each day of the Festival that they are planning to attend.

    For any questions regarding tickets, please contact fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au

  • Accessibility is a priority at MUSE. Spanning three floors, all performance venues are wheelchair accessible, connected by a central elevator and stairwell.

    Restrooms, including accessible options, are available on each floor of the building. Assistance animals are warmly welcomed throughout the venue.

    To ensure everyone feels comfortable, content warnings and social scripts will be provided alongside the festival program. Additionally, an activated quiet space will be available, with further details shared in the program.

    To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events

  • MUSE is held in Building 879, located at the VCA on Dodds Street, Southbank. Easily recognisable by its liquorice allsorts-like design, it is just a stone's throw away from Flinders Street Station, situated across the road from the ABC Building, or just around the corner from the NGV.

    For those traveling by tram, hop off at Stop 17: Police Memorial and Grant St, or Stop 17: Arts Precinct, Sturt Street, and enjoy a short walk to the venue. Due to limited paid parking in the surrounding area, we recommend using public transport for a stress-free journey.

    For those wishing to have a meal between shows, the surrounding area offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, including Blondie Bar and Betwixt, both located in the immediate vicinity.

Building 879!

 

FAQs

  • MUSE is the Victorian College of the Arts’ one and only student-run arts festival, held on-campus in Building 879. For participants, it’s an opportunity to play, explore, and create in a low-stakes festival setting. For attendees, it is a three-day extravaganza of multi-disciplinary, hot-off-the-presses artwork and a glimpse into the development of Australia’s emerging artists and performers.

  • MUSE is a completely free, student-run festival. Did I mention: free! To attend MUSE, you only need to register for your free ticket. The ticket serves as a day-pass and grants you access to all the shows and events happening that day.

    Tickets can be registered at https://www.musefestivalvca.com/attend-muse

    While tickets won’t cost a thing, we welcome donations to help sustain and grow the festival into the future.

    For any questions regarding tickets, please contact fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au

  • Building 879 is three-storeys, with access to each floor is possible by elevator or stairwell. All performance venues in the building are wheelchair accessible.

    Restrooms, including accessible options, are available on each floor of the building. Assistance animals are warmly welcomed throughout the venue.

    To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events

  • Content warnings for each show will be provided along with the festival program. In addition, each show will have a ‘social script’ available, which further outlines the show’s events, themes, and any potentially sensitive content it may contain.