Video filming, flash and tripod photography (including 'selfie sticks') are not permitted inside the galleries. If you wish to seek copyright approval to photograph a work of art for publication please contact the office on 03 9662 1484
Weekdays: 10am-4pm
Weekends: 11am-4pm
The Victorian Artists Society will be closed over the Easter Long Weekend, Friday 7 to Monday 10 April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take photographs in the Gallery?
Can VAS provide a valuation for an artwork that I own?
Unfortunately VAS is not able to provide valuations.
We recommended contacting David Freeman for valuations and auctions. https://www.aaauctions.com.au/
Does the Gallery sell artworks?
Exhibitions in our 5 Galleries showcase artworks for sale by VAS Members and visiting artists.
See our upcoming exhibitions here.
We also sell artwork by our members online here.
How do I get to the VAS Galleries?
We are located at 430 Albert Street, East Melbourne, 3002.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Our building A 5 minute walk from Parliament Station, next to the Eye and Ear Hospital and across the road from St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Trams 11, 12 and 109 stop on the corner of Albert Street and Gisborne Street.
BY CAR
1 hour meter parking is available along Albert Street, opposite the gallery. Parking is also available at the nearby Wilson Parking at 410 Albert St, East Melbourne.
Is the Gallery wheelchair accessible?
We are currently working with the neighbouring Eye and Ear Hospital to install disabled access to our galleries and are planning to have this available late in 2023, when the hospital's construction and restoration works are completed.
There are 5 steps leading up to the entrance of the building. There is a disabled toilet located on the ground floor and a lift to take visitors to the upper galleries.
Pet Policy
By entering the Victorian Artists Society premises, each person agrees to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions of Public Entry.
Whenever you are on VAS premises, you must not bring animals onto VAS premises except for Guide Dogs and other registered assistance dogs.
Trained, registered and visibly identifiable guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome to visit the Gallery when accompanied by their handler under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
When is the Gallery open?
The VAS Galleries are open to the public from 10am to 4pm weekdays, and 11am to 4pm on weekends and public holidays.
Membership
What are the benefits of becoming a Member of VAS?
Members can participate in several exhibitions throughout the year, received discounts on classes and workshops and take part in monthly plein air paint outs.
SUPPORT US
Can I make a donation to VAS?
Now more than ever the Victorian Artists Society depends on the support of its passionate community of artists and art lovers.
Donations large and small, bequests and the time and effort of volunteers are all crucial to the ongoing preservation of our heritage listed building and the smooth running of our exhibitions and events, which all contribute to the enrichment of art in Victoria.
VAS is an incorporated, not-for-profit body, with a tax-deductible special purpose fund under the auspices of the Register of Cultural Organisations, and is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and not-for-profits Commission.
Our building is Heritage Listed and classified by the National Trust of Australia.
All donors will be publicly acknowledged unless otherwise requested, and donations over $2 will be receipted and are tax deductible.
Do you have a volunteer program?
As a not-for-profit organisation, VAS depends on volunteer support from its community of passionate artists and art lovers to run events, organising exhibitions and maintain the galleries. There are plenty of opportunities for members and friends of the Society to contribute, including receiving of artwork for exhibitions, exhibition opening nights, catering, gallery sitting, cleaning of galleries, taking down of exhibitions and kitchen duties.
Classes
Do I need to buy everything on the materials list for the first class?
If you’re not sure about sourcing everything on the materials list, we recommend you bring along a limited selection of items from each category on the list. For example, bring along a few sheets of the recommended paper or one canvas board, only a few brushes, and a limited selection of paints. The first class is always an opportunity for you to talk with your teacher about materials and clarify what will be necessary when. If you still have any questions, please email reception and we will check with your specific teacher as to their recommendations.
Do you offer children's classes?
The Victorian Artists Society does not offer classes for students under 16 years of age. If you are interested in classes and workshops for children and teens, you can find options at:
Is a refund available if I cancel my booking for a class or workshop?
If a class is cancelled by VAS we will refund the cost of the class or credit that amount to a future class.
We cannot offer refunds or credits for classes missed because of work commitments unless we are advised of these dates prior to the start of term, and up to half of the term.
What are the upcoming term dates?
The VAS art school follows the Victorian school term dates to the nearest week, with art classes also running on weekends.
Our terms start on Mondays and end on Sundays, with each term being between 9 and 12 weeks in length.
You can find future term dates here: https://www.vic.gov.au/school-term-dates-and-holidays-victoria
When do bookings become available for classes?
The VAS art school runs 4 terms of classes throughout the year as well as holiday workshops. Classes become available for booking 3 weeks before the start of that term, with first preference going to students currently enrolled in that class.
Join our mailing list to keep up to date with classes and workshops.
Where can I buy materials for an art class?
Each of our classes at the VAS Art School have a recommended materials list for students to use throughout the course—we recommend students source their own materials so that they can customise their kits to their own liking. To source your supplies for class, we recommend you visit a quality art supplier such as Seniors Art Supplies or Deans.
Exhibitions
Can I hold an exhibition of my own artwork at VAS?
The galleries at VAS are available for hire by members or non-members, for one off events such as concerts and weddings, or for exhibitions of 1 or 2 weeks.
Do I need a ticket to see the exhibitions?
Entry to see exhibitions held in the VAS Galleries is free for all members and the public.
How do I enter an Exhibition at VAS?
VAS holds more than 13 regular exhibitions each year as well as several popup exhibitions. Entry into exhibitions is open to all members of the Victorian Artists Society unless otherwise stated (for example, the Art School & Tutor Exhibition is open only to current students of our art school).
Selection criteria applies to some exhibitions, including the Autumn, Winter and Spring Exhibitions, while entry into the annual Mavis Little Artist of the Year Award Exhibition is by invitation only. The VAS Council is responsible for the selection of artwork.
How do I upload artwork to the Online Gallery?
Entry of artworks onto our Online Gallery and into online exhibitions is open to all members of VAS.
Artworks can be entered online through the Members' Area of the website, at Add an Artwork tab.
Works uploaded to the online gallery can be entered into online exhibitions when these are open for entry. View more details here.
When are the send in and pick up days for VAS Exhibitions?
Information on send in days and pick up times for VAS Exhibitions can be found here at the members' exhibition calendar.
Acknowledgment of traditional owners.
We would like to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which our building stands, their leaders, past, present and emerging.