The inaugural exhibition, the shape of things to come has been curated by Melissa Keys. It will feature works by more than 20 artists from the Buxton collection, and explores the various roles and agencies of the artist through culture, society and politics—as visionaries, storytellers, dissenters and alchemists. Included will be major works by Ricky Swallow, Emily Floyd, Hany Armanious and Mikala Dwyer among many others.
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Over 2,200 square metres in size, a major feature is the museum entrance, which will be flanked by one of the largest digital screens of its type in Australia—and the only animated screen of its kind in Victoria—which will showcase digital and video works and will also be used during iconic Melbourne arts events.
Future programming will use the Michael Buxton Collection as a springboard to captivate and educate audiences on trends in contemporary art and connect current Australian contemporary practice to international developments.