Melbourne’s west is a creative hotspot, filled with progressive galleries and cultural institutions, fascinating public art trails and cultural walks, vibrant street art and an ever-growing number of performance venues.
Stretching from Footscray to Werribee and from Flemington to Melton, the area is home to a staggering 130 different cultural groups. Recent years have witnessed an ever-expanding number of emerging artists and creative start-ups choosing to call the west home.
These works can be viewed at various venues throughout the west, including the Footscray Community Arts Centre, Joel Gallery, Wyndham Art Gallery and The Substation. Several of these venues also feature engaging live performance programs, as do The Bowery Theatre in St Albans and Wyndham Cultural Centre.
Exploring the various neigbourhoods that make up the region delivers a rewarding experience. Stumble across hidden street art, tiny galleries, historic theatres and striking public art. Footscray, Seddon, Yarraville, Sunshine and Newport are all brimming with creative finds.
The area’s rich pastoral, maritime and industrial heritage can also be explored by discovering the region’s vast network of museums, heritage buildings and historic trails. Top picks include Werribee Mansion, Willows Historical Park and Seaworks Maritime Museum.
Year round, the cultural diversity of the region is celebrated with a seemingly endless selection of creative and engaging events.