Move FAQ
Information about our upcoming move to the Atrium at Fed Square.
Have you moved yet?
Not yet! We’re still at 15 Dowling Place, North Melbourne.
We’ll move to our new studio in Spring 2025.
When will the move happen?
Spring 2025. Firmer dates to be announced. Stay tuned!
How will this affect my membership?
We’re working hard to reduce disruption to membership as much as possible.
The studio will be closed for up to 2 weeks while we move the collection and get set up in the new space.
All memberships, starter passes and gift vouchers will be extended to account for any closure.
Due to factors outside our control, we don’t yet know exact dates. But we’ll give members as much notice as possible.
What will be different?
The heart of MESS is our community. We’re proud to have created a space where everyone, from musical newbie to renowned electronic musician to studio staff, learn something new each time they walk in.
That, and all the other great things we all love about MESS, won’t change.
The new studio will be a more public-facing location within the Atrium at Fed Square. It will allow us to display our collection more prominently, reach more people through our programs and be in conversation with national cultural organisations like NGV and ACMI.
More announcements to come! Sign up to our Newsletter to stay up to date.
Why is this happening?
To make an even bigger MESS — with expanded programs, greater accessibility, and the capacity to welcome more people than ever before to the studio. All united through the act of creativity.
This move is the culmination of close to 10 years of hard work. We’ve been incubating under the Meat Market, and we now have an opportunity to grow our impact and reach.
Our new studio in the Atrium at Fed Square is an iconic location that will put MESS at the heart of the cultural conversation.
Where is the new studio and how do I get there?
Directions to our new location will be coming soon.
To avoid confusion, we’re not publishing the address until we close the North Melbourne studio.
What hours will MESS be open at Fed Square?
Our opening hours at Fed Square will be much the same as they are now–but with extra studio sessions on the weekends.
More information to come.
If I’m not a member, can I come?
If you’re not a member, you can still experience the collection!
You can purchase a casual studio session, take a workshop or apply for a course.
If you’re more into listening to music than making it, join us for one of our live shows.
Can members still bring a friend?
Yep! All member benefits remain the same. Members can bring one guest to their session if they’re working on the same synth.
What instruments will be available?
Anything that’s available at our current studio will be available at our new one.
The same collection of historically significant instruments will be at your fingertips.
We hope that our new studio will have even more space to display and store the collection.
What’s the accessibility situation at Fed Square?
Fed Square is really committed to access. The Atrium is wheelchair accessible – Flinders Street is the best place to enter from. The Atrium also has accessible toilets located next to our new studio and is equipped with a hearing loop.
There will be some stairs in the new studio, but all areas will remain wheelchair accessible.
Can I use my Single Session Pass at Fed Square?
Yep! Casual sessions will be available at the new Studio. In fact, all current offerings will be available once we’ve moved. And we hope to add more once we’ve settled in.
Learn more about our studio sessions here.
What will happen with workshops and courses?
We’ll keep doing them! Our professional development, workshops and intro courses will continue in our new studio.
Find out what’s on offer here.
General FAQ
What, where, how and when.
What is MESS?
MESS is a collection of historically significant electronic instruments and a flourishing community of sound makers. We create pathways to make one of the largest collections of synths in the world available to anyone through studio sessions, courses, workshops, live shows and commissions.
At MESS music is for everyone.
Where is MESS?
MESS is currently located within the Meat Market complex at 15 Dowling Pl, North Melbourne, VIC 3051. In Spring 2025, we are moving to our exciting new location within the Atrium at Federation Square.
Find our opening hours, how to get to MESS and contact information: https://mess.foundation/about/contact/
How can I get involved with MESS?
There are countless ways to get involved at MESS:
- Studio: Discover our collection and book a session
- Membership: Join as a MESS member to gain access to our collection
- Learn: Participate in our workshops and educational offerings
- What’s On: Attend our events and live shows
- Support Us: Donate to expand our impact and empower all people to create
Stay tuned via our Mailing List, Website and Instagram for upcoming opportunities at MESS.
What is in the MESS collection?
The MESS collection includes over 1,000 eclectic and historically significant electronic music instruments.
From the Hammond Novachord (1939), widely considered the first commercial polyphonic synthesiser, to the Fairlight CMI (1979), an Australian invention that revolutionised music technology through sampling, our instruments encompass a century of innovation and the collective memory of a utopian, forward-focused artistic vision.
We preserve the stories of these instruments through our radical model of preservation through use.
Discover our full collection here: https://mess.foundation/booking-system/
Where did you get the machines from the MESS collection?
Instruments in the MESS collection span the history of electronic music. Many have been generously donated or loaned to MESS from several privately held collections.
We are immensely grateful to the individuals and organisations who allow us to share this resource with MESS members.
To learn more about our collection visit our Website and Google Arts & Culture listing.
I don’t know anything about making electronic sound and music. Can I still be involved with MESS?
Yes! MESS is for everyone, regardless of skill level, technical background or music experience.
Discover your creativity with one of our Introductory Workshops, Courses, or book a Starter Pass. In the studio, supervisors are there to assist you on the instruments with guidance and support.
We’re incredibly proud of the learning culture at MESS. Everyone shares the space as an equal and it’s not unusual for industry stalwarts to learn with and from total newbies.
Studio FAQ
Opening hours, how studio sessions work and more.
What is the MESS studio?
The MESS studio is our open-plan space where you can experiment with our collection of over 1,000 electronic musical instruments spanning the history of electronic sound and music.
You can discover, explore and book our full collection here: https://mess.foundation/booking-system/
Where is the MESS studio?
MESS is currently located within the Meat Market complex at 15 Dowling Pl, North Melbourne, VIC 3051. In Spring 2025, we are moving to our exciting new location within the Atrium at Federation Square.
Find our opening hours, how to get to MESS and contact information: https://mess.foundation/about/contact/
What are the MESS studio opening hours?
There are sessions available at the MESS studio Wednesday–Sunday.
Wednesday-Friday: 1-5pm and 6-10pm.
Saturday-Sunday: 1-5pm.
After you’ve made a booking, you’re welcome to come for any length of time during the session — or make use of the full 4 hours!
Be sure to let us know when you make your booking when you plan to arrive.
How do studio sessions work?
Our studio sessions are a great way to get into making music or to hone your craft.
What to expect:
- During the session there will be other people working in the studio. Everyone will be wearing headphones.
- We have everything you need including headphones, interfaces, adaptors and cables. Bring your laptop if you’d like to record.
- When you arrive a studio supervisor will set you up with your chosen instrument(s). They are there to help and support you.
- During your session play, experiment and record on an historically significant machine. The studio supervisor is still on hand if you need help or guidance.
- At the end of the session you can leave your equipment on the bench.
Find a more detailed explanation of how studio sessions work here: https://mess.foundation/studio/#how-do-studio-sessions-work
Who can book and use the studio?
Anybody over 18 can use the MESS studio.
To use our studio and collection:
- Become a MESS member
- Book a Casual Session — choose your instrument and pay at checkout
- Purchase a Starter Pass
Find a more detailed explanation of how studio sessions work here: https://mess.foundation/studio/#how-do-studio-sessions-work
How do I book a machine?
Booking a machine is easy!
First you need to become a MESS member or purchase a Starter Pass.
- Sign up to become a member.
- Head to our Booking System
- Explore and discover the instrument you want to play
- Click ‘Book a session’
- You will be prompted to select a day and time
Alternatively, you can book a Casual Session starting from step 1. You’ll be asked to create an account — follow the prompts and book your session!
Find more details about how to book here: https://mess.foundation/booking-system/
We can’t wait to welcome you into the studio.
Can I book more than one machine?
Yes.
When booking through our system, select the primary machine you’d like to work with during your session.
To add an additional instrument, simply list it in the ‘Comments’ section of the booking form. If it is available, it will be set up with your primary instrument during the session.
Do I need to bring anything to a studio session?
You only need to bring yourself to a session. MESS will provide:
- The instrument(s)
- A studio supervisor to support you
- An audio interface
- Adaptors and cables
- Headphones
If you’d like to record, please bring your laptop and a recording device. You may also wish to bring your own headphones and interface.
Find more information here: https://mess.foundation/studio/#how-do-studio-sessions-work
I’m only visiting Naarm/Melbourne for a short time, what’s the best way to access MESS?
There are plenty of ways to get involved at MESS while visiting Naarm/Melbourne:
- Book in a Casual Session at the MESS Studio
- Purchase a Starter Pass and book in up to four studio sessions over 8-weeks.
- Sign up for a 1-Month Membership and get unlimited studio bookings for the month.
Attend a MESS workshop for a deeper understanding of synthesisers.
Can I hire/loan equipment from MESS?
Our historically significant collection requires extensive care and maintenance so that it can be preserved for generations to come.
We do not currently hire or loan items from the MESS collection to the general public.
Can I donate machines and equipment to MESS?
The MESS collection wouldn’t exist without the generosity of our donors.
MESS accepts donations of machines, equipment and parts. Due to space limitations, we can’t accept every generous offer.
Please get in touch with us at studio@mess.foundation if you’d like to donate an instrument.
I have an old synth that needs fixing. Can MESS help me fix my machines?
Our priority is to maintain our substantial collection at MESS.
Unfortunately we don’t have the capacity to take on external repairs.
What happens if I think a machine breaks when I’m using it? Will I be responsible for the cost of fixing it?
The MESS collection is made up of machines that have been generously donated or loaned to us. We ask all users to treat them with care and respect. We understand that accidents can happen. All users are covered under our insurance policy once they’ve agreed to the Studio Terms and Conditions.
If something does go wrong, please let the studio supervisor know. They’re always there to support you, and will take it from there.
Can I film and/or photograph my time at MESS?
We encourage you to film and document your creative process at MESS. That being said, there are a few things to consider.
Phone capture:
- Please refrain from capturing other users in the space to respect their privacy. Capturing yourself/friends is a’ok
- Tag us at @mess_ltd and share the synth love!
Larger cameras/camera crews:
- When filming extends beyond using a phone, we can assist you with organising a private access session. However, in such cases, we will provide you with a customised quote for exclusive use of the studio.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a fair and collaborative environment for all MESS users. Should you have any inquiries or need clarification on audio recording or filming policies, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at admin@mess.foundation.
Do I own the rights to what I record at MESS?
We encourage you to bring your laptop or recording device to MESS to capture the sounds you make and your creative process. The answer varies pending on whether the project is personal or commercial:
Audio recording for personal artistic projects:
- You retain full ownership of sounds created in the studio. MESS does not claim ownership rights over sounds or compositions.
- If you are using a microphone, please refrain from capturing other users in the space to respect their privacy.
Audio recording for commercial projects:
- The collection of sounds for commercial use, such as creating sample packs for monetisation, should not be done without prior consultation with MESS. Please reach out to us to discuss your intentions.
Please reach out to admin@mess.foundation with any questions or clarifications.
Can I bring a guest with me?
MESS members may all bring one guest each with them. The guest must be working with the member, on the same instrument(s) as them. Members are responsible for their guests within the MESS studio.
Casual pass users and other users may not bring a guest with them, this is a privilege reserved for MESS members.
Membership FAQ
How do you become a member and how do memberships work?
How do I become a MESS member?
Becoming a MESS member is easy!
For more information about memberships, including how to sign up as a MESS member, head to https://mess.foundation/join/
Who can become a MESS member?
Anyone over 18 years old can become a MESS member.
I’m under 18. Can I still be involved in MESS?
MESS is for everyone.
We run educational initiatives and school programs for youth. Find out more about our programs for kids and teens here: https://mess.foundation/school/kids-and-teens/
Unfortunately, only those over 18 years of age can become a MESS member.
How much does a MESS membership cost?
We have three subscription levels: Annual Membership, Six Month Membership and One Month Membership. Discounts apply if you pay the full amount upfront.
Find more information about our membership model here: https://mess.foundation/join/
What do I get as a MESS member?
As a MESS member, you can book studio sessions to experiment, play and record.
MESS membership also gives you discounted access to select MESS workshops, events, programs and content.
I’m having trouble logging into my MESS account. Can you help me?
You can reset your password at the login page. Simply select “forgot my password”.
Please email memberships@mess.foundation if you’re still having problems with your MESS account.
I’m having trouble making a booking. What do I do?
You can find detailed instructions here: https://mess.foundation/booking-system/
If this issue is with your password, you can reset your password at the login page. Simply select “forgot my password”.
If you’re still having trouble, email booking@mess.foundation.
What do you do with the money you raise from my subscription fee?
MESS Is a not-for-profit charitable organisation. All money collected goes towards MESS operating costs, programming and collection maintenance.
We work hard to ensure that our membership model is as financially accessible as possible.
For more information on about MESS see here: https://mess.foundation/about/
Can we join MESS as a group, band, etc?
At this stage, memberships are available for individuals and institutions. MESS members can bring one guest per session if they’re collaborating on the same instrument.
Can we join MESS as an institution or organisation?
Absolutely!
MESS offers memberships for universities, schools organisations. If you are an institution interested in signing up as a member, please get in contact at admin@mess.foundation.
If you’re an institution of another sort, please get in touch.
Can I support MESS without being a member?
Of course!
Your financial support ensures that MESS can continue to open our collection to as many people as possible and empower all people to build an enriched life through music.
Head to https://mess.foundation/about/donate to find out all the ways you can support us.
If I’m not based in Naarm/Melbourne or Australia, is there a point in being a member?
Yes! MESS members are the backbone of our community, helping us to achieve our mission of increasing access to creativity for all.
As a MESS member, whenever you’re in town you can drop by the studio, get discounts to our events, workshops and more. If you’re only visiting for a short-time, you can also book a one-off session, or purchase a Starter Pass.
If you’re not planning on using the studio, we have a Supporter Membership.
Supporters are integral to our community and keeping the MESS dream alive. An annual Supporter Membership includes:
- A MESS poster and sticker
- Discounts to MESS workshops, shows and events
- Invitations to member-only and community events
