Rehearsing the City reflects on public space as a stage, a place where meaning is constantly performed, contested and redefined. On display are photographs sourced from the collections of Victoria’s State and National Archives, as well as work by contemporary photographers responding to Victoria’s urban environment: Ai Tam Do, Adrian Leung, Suzanne Phoenix, Ted Richards, Sande Harsa, Mark Forbes, Melanie Cobham, Michael Currie, Andrew Tan, Hashem McAdam, Chris Bekos and Deb Stembridge.
Both the archival and contemporary images examine how public space is not just shaped by architects and urban planners, but also by protest, improvisation and the rhythms of daily life. Communities and individuals constantly use the built environment in creative or unexpected ways, reinterpreting or subverting its intended design. These acts of resistance show that urban environments are not static – they grow and adapt with their inhabitants. Design can guide, but it is the everyday actions of people that give public space its meaning and its future.
Join us for the opening night event, Thursday 21 May 5 – 7pm by RSVPing here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rehearsing-the-city-exhibition-launch-tickets-1980159962753
This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2026, an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Following the launch, the exhibition is open until March 2027, 10 am–4:30 pm weekdays, and 10 am–4 pm every second and last Saturday of the month. Closed on public holidays.
Image credits: (1) Melanie Cobham, (3) Chris Bekos, (2 & 4) Collection of Public Record Office Victoria.
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