Neighbourhood

Situated north of Melbourne, Merri Creek flows from Wallan until
it joins the Yarra River in Fairfield. At the southern boundary of Northcote, the sloping banks of Merri Creek rise to a spectacular, elevated vantage, stretching across Fitzroy North towards the city. Naturally significant to the area, the creek offers a sense of retreat, with natural and structured pathways. It is a haven for flora and fauna and a place for people to connect and feel immersed in nature.

Merri is gifted with three modes of transport: the rustic steel footbridge at the western tip provides access to Rushall Train Station on the opposite river bank. The number 86 tram passes on High Street, bound for RMIT in Bundoora, and the Capital City Trail provides safe off-road cycling from Merri; tracing a wide arc around the city to connect Melbourne University and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct to the creative hubs of Collingwood and Richmond in the south-east.

Arts Project Australia (APA) is an agile Melbourne-based contemporary art space that supports artists with intellectual disabilities by promoting their work and advocating for their inclusion in contemporary art practice. For 47 years, APA has developed a world-class studio and gallery for Australian artists with disabilities, engendering professional and lasting careers in the arts. Artists of all ages are provided mentoring from professional staff who connect artists and their work to the national and international contemporary art sector.

Artists develop in-depth folios of work that incorporate countless mediums including photography, digital art, animation, stopmotion, sculpture, printmaking, painting, drawing, public art and zines.  APA regularly broker significant opportunities for artists, including collaborations, curatorial projects, professional development, national and international commercial gallery representation, workshops, residencies, mentoring, and paid internships.

In recognition of the significant contribution APA has made to the local community MAB is proud to sponsor this outdoor gallery, now on display at the Merri Northcote Display Suite, 2 High St Close, Northcote.