Apac Reveal: unlocking the potential of the Australian Performing Arts Collection through open and visible storage

Abstract

The world of collections storage is changing. While storage is often a challenging problem to solve because of the ever-increasing footprint requirements and associated resource costs, there is a shift within the Galleries, Libraries, Archies and Museums (GLAM) sector involving greater public access to our vast and hidden collections. This is causing some discomfort but also many opportunities. Purpose-built facilities are being designed using sustainable materials and methods, and the behind-the-scenes is being revealed. This is bringing the back-of-house to the front and generating greater awareness, value, new investment, and partnership models. This paper will share the transformational storage project at Arts Centre Melbourne referred to as the APAC Reveal. It will present the challenges and issues of developing, managing, preserving, and sharing a significant State Collection within Australia's largest performing arts organisation. It will also impart the journey of change through innovation and how building relationships, working collaboratively, thinking creatively, and testing revised ways of working, can produce opportunities which unlock the potential for a collection, staff, industry, stakeholders, and communities.