'The Vinyl Factory: Reverb' at Rising 2026

Overview

ICYMI, Melbourne is the world's capital for crate diggers, with more vinyl record stores per capita than any other city in the world. So, it's appropriate that a groundbreaking sonic exploration, told through the lens of vinyl culture, has just been announced — The Vinyl Factory: Reverb. Guided by arts and performance festival Rising and screen culture museum ACMI, in collaboration with London-based cultural platform, record label and exhibition-maker, The Vinyl Factory, Reverb is the organisation's most expansive project to date.

Forming a cornerstone of Rising 2026, The Vinyl Factory: Reverb runs from Friday, May 22–Monday, August 31, bringing together works by some of the 21st century's leading figures working across video, sound and contemporary culture. Showcasing a continent-spanning deep dive into diverse eras and musical energies, the featured artists include celebrated Canadian media artist Stan Douglas, British-Nigerian filmmaker and visual artist Jenn Nkiru, and American fashion visionary Virgil Abloh, among many others.

Tracing the early days of techno and house to contemporary digital art and everything in between, visitors will roam ACMI's interconnected spaces, stumbling upon large-scale moving-image works, immersive sound installations and interactive vinyl experiences. Think hands-on access to Technics turntables with endlessly remixable vinyl loops, a fantasy rap battle flowing from Cairo to London, and access to The Vinyl Factory's eclectic archive, including 100 vinyl pressings from across the musical spectrum.

Yet perhaps the most attention-grabbing attraction is 'The Listening Room', an acoustically optimised sanctuary designed for deep listening. By day, visitors can hand-pick records and kick back in sonic bliss. However, after hours, the experience becomes more intimate, with Triple R selector Yasmine Sharaf programming one-off sessions featuring Rising's underground and acclaimed artists. Exclusive to Reverb ticketholders, each session is strictly limited to 60 listeners per event, with the lineup to be announced alongside the full Rising program in March.

Pre-sale tickets for 'The Vinyl Factory: Reverb' are now open, with general access beginning on Monday, March 16. Head to the website for more information.