The EYE+ 2026

A free hub of live installations and looping performances from Design & Production, Opera, Music Theatre, Dance, Film & TV, Theatre and more!

Where creativity intersects, The EYE+ begins.

In 2026, VCA's flagship graduate Design & Production exhibition expands to collaborate with emerging talent across Film & TV, Dance, Theatre, Music Theatre, Opera, Interactive Composition and the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development.

From striking visual worlds and innovative technologies to powerful performances and new narratives, The EYE+ offers a rare glimpse into contemporary creative practice at the VCA alongside the artists who will shape the future.

These are among the most inventive, courageous and deeply skilled emerging artists of their generation, nurtured within the University of Melbourne's Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. A living, breathing ecosystem of creative practice unique in Australia, where disciplines collide, ideas evolve and the future takes shape.

You can enter, leave or return to the exhibits and scheduled performances at any time between 7PM and 10PM.

Exhibitions and Performances

The EYE+ will be held in venues across the Southbank Campus of the University of Melbourne, from the Elisabeth Murdoch Building on St Kilda Road to the Yinga-dha (Song Person) Courtyard; from the Film and Television Building to Lionel’s Cafe and back up Djila-Djerring-Dha (Musician’s Lane). See 'What's On' section below for the full schedule of exhibitions and performances.

Venue Information

The EYE: Design & Production Exhibition & Live Music
Elisabeth Murdoch Building (Building 860) - via the stairs or ramp on St Kilda Road.

Xerxes: Opera Scenes
St Kilda Road Forecourt - via St Kilda Road, outside Elisabeth Murdoch Building.

FTV Miniatures & Animations, Music Theatre & Opera Duets
Film & TV (Building 861) - enter via the Grant St Loading Bay located on Dhumba-Dha (Storytellers) Walk.

• Studio 1

• Studio 2

• Studio 3

Theatre & Dance Performances
Wilin Garden - via Dhumba-Dha (Storytellers) Walk.

Food & Drink
Paid food and beverage trucks can be found in the Yinga-Dha (Song Persons) Courtyard, accessible via stairs from St Kilda Road or lift access via Elisabeth Murdoch Building.

Creative Credits

All works presented are by graduating students and their peers from the Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design, Performance Design), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) and Master of Design and Production, alongside works from Bachelor of Fine Art (Film & TV), Bachelor of Fine Art (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Art (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Art (Music Theatre), Master of Music (Opera Performance), Bachelor of Fine Art (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Art (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Art (Dance), Bachelor of Music (Interactive Composition), and from the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development.

Content Warnings

The EYE+ draws on a full year of creative work and some material may be challenging. Themes explored include mortality, inequity, mental health, violence and existential distress, and students have engaged with political subject matter where relevant. In all instances, they have done so with nuance, sensitivity and deep contemplation.

Image: Jacqueline Widodo and Sheren Wiranata

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.    

• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.  

PARKING 

The City of Melbourne has changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.  

ACCESSIBILITY 

We are committed to making our events accessible and will accommodate requirements wherever possible. All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions. 

Read more about accessibility at our venues.