The SUBSTATION is housed in the historic Newport substation, located in the heart of Newport village in the inner west of Melbourne.

The building was an active substation until the late 1960s when it was decommissioned and left abandoned and derelict for 30 years. In 1996 local residents embarked on the enormous task of restoring the building and converting it into a community arts facility.

Long-known as a community-led infrastructure project, The SUBSTATION is now a fully operational arts centre with significant physical resources, including the largest gallery in Melbourne’s western suburbs, a grand industrial performance space, rehearsal and creative development studios, teaching spaces and a workshop.
A strong commitment has also been placed on developing the building as a unique, premium event destination. As a not-for-profit organisation, the income generated from venue hire directly helps to secure the future operation of the arts centre.