11-08-2025
Time Out reveals the best arts and culture in Melbourne for 2025
The 2025 winners of the Time Out Melbourne Arts & Culture Awards, in partnership with the Australian Cultural Fund, have been revealed.
Now in their second year, the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards recognise the incredible creative talent working across Australia's cultural landscape – from powerhouse performers and unforgettable exhibitions to bold new theatre – and encourage audiences to get out and experience the best of our cities.
A total of 16 Melbourne Critics' Choice and People's Choice winners were crowned at an event at Curious in the W Melbourne tonight (Monday, August 11), together with presenting partner the Australian Cultural Fund.
The Sydney iteration of the Awards were also held tonight, at The International in Martin Place, with presenting partner the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
'Our cities have thriving performing and visual arts scenes that deserve to be spotlighted, and these awards are about celebrating the extraordinary people who keep them vibrant,' said Kaylie Smith, Managing Director of Time Out APAC.
'The Arts & Culture Awards are a powerful reminder of the creative excellence thriving in every pocket of the country,' said Tracy Woolacott from the Australian Cultural Fund. 'We're thrilled to be part of a celebration that acknowledges the impact artists have on our collective identity.'
This year, awards for Favourite Dance Production, Live Music Venue and Classical Music Show were added in the People's Choice mix.
Best Museum Exhibition: Māreikura, Immigration Museum
Impact Award: Museum of Desire
PEOPLE'S CHOICE CATEGORIES
Favourite Musical: Hadestown
Favourite Performance in a Musical: Noah Mullins in Hadestown
Favourite Play: Julia
Favourite Performance in a Play: Justine Clarke in Julia
Favourite Dance Production: Oscar, The Australian Ballet
Favourite Classical Music Show: Haydn's The Creation, Royal Melbourne Philharmonic at St Paul's Cathedral
Favourite Live Music Venue: Forum Melbourne
Favourite Art Exhibition: Yayoi Kusama, NGV
Favourite Museum Exhibition: Museum of Desire
