RISING and ACMI Announce Major Joint Exhibition

RISING and ACMI have announced a special new exhibition.

"The Vinyl Factory: Reverb" is a groundbreaking, multi-sensory exhibition that explores vinyl culture and music's influence on art, fashion, film, and social movements.

Originally produced and staged at 180 Studios in London, "The Vinyl Factory: Reverb" opens on May 22nd and runs throughout RISING, with an extended season running until August 31st.

The exhibition brings together works from some of the 21st century’s leading figures working across video, sound, and contemporary culture, including celebrated Canadian media artist Stan Douglas; British-Nigerian filmmaker and visual artist Jenn Nkiru; American fashion visionary Virgil Abloh; US filmmaker and music video director Kahlil Joseph; London based photographer and video artist Gabriel Moses; South African artist William Kentridge; Turner Prize-winning British artist Jeremy Deller; British poet and sound artist Julianknxx; Argentinian performance artist Cecilia Bengolea and German electronic music and sound art innovator Carsten Nicolai.

“'Reverb' captures the force of music as a cultural engine — how it shapes movements, identity and lasting communities,” says RISING Artistic Director and CEO Hannah Fox. “Partnering with ACMI to present this exhibition in Melbourne extends RISING’s practice of moving beyond the stage to create new encounters between artists and audiences."

ACMI Director & CEO Seb Chan adds: “The importance of music and sound are often undervalued in our appreciation of the moving image. For many young people, music also still shapes identity. Through the work of contemporary artists, this exhibition celebrates the music subcultures that have defined generations, from the Black roots of techno to contemporary street dance, inviting audiences to consider why these movements mattered and still do today. You’ll hear records in a new way — discovering the unexpected, or something familiar transformed. Reverb at ACMI is a fitting tribute to sound in the world’s vinyl capital.”

"The Victorian Government is proud to back ACMI and RISING to present this exhibition to be enjoyed by thousands of local music lovers and bring more visitors to our state.” shares Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks. “This exhibition transforms the city and will be a ‘must see’ event celebrating Melbourne’s love of music and is an exciting preview into what RISING has in store for 2026."

Founded in London, The Vinyl Factory is an internationally recognised independent music and arts enterprise, encompassing the world’s most iconic vinyl pressing plant, a record label, cultural platform, and exhibition program dedicated to exploring the influence of music and sound on contemporary culture.

“'Reverb' showcases The Vinyl Factory Collection of incredible installations commissioned and produced by The Vinyl Factory over the last 20 years,” says The Vinyl Factory founder Mark Wadhwa. “Produced by 180 Studios, the exhibition brings together music and art through ten unique, experiential artworks. A huge success in London, we’re very excited to bring it to Australia’s cultural capital.”

"The Vinyl Factory: Reverb" is co-presented by ACMI and RISING and is proudly supported by Major Technology Partner Panasonic, Official Hotel Partner Sofitel Melbourne On Collins and Supporting Partner Pitt & Giblin. The project is supported through the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) an initiative of the Victorian Government delivered via Music Victoria.

RISING returns to Melbourne from May 27th-June 8th.