Bees at Abbotsford Convent

Bees was developed through Polyglot’s Generator program, with support from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and the Sidney Myer Fund. This season is supported by the City of Yarra.

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Resource

• Bees will take place outdoors, on grass, on the sloped Heritage Lawn. Please check the weather and bring sunscreen, hats and water bottles.
• There are toilets in the main Convent Building, as well as a wheelchair accessible toilet with a button-activated automated door.
• There are all-gender toilets in the Sacred Heart building.
• There is a wheelchair accessible ATM in the Abbotsford Convent Precinct; however it is not accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
• The ACF is a partner to the national RECHARGE scheme. Accessible power points are available for people to recharge the battery in their motorised wheelchairs, scooters or bikes. The power points are located externally, on the western side of the Providence building. (Please note that during markets the power points may be in use by stall holders.)
• While there is no reserved/specific quiet space, children and families can leave Bees at any time to have a break, and return either within the session or come to another session.

Bees

• Children and families choose how they interact with the performers and the landscape. Some participants may prefer a gentle experience, others may be more energetic.
• Bees will take place outdoors in daylight. There will be no bright or flashing lights.
• Bees contains amplified sound and music that is played through portable speakers.
• A visual story (PDF) is available to view and download here: 2022-Polyglot-Theatre-Visual-Story-Bees-ACF.pdf

The following COVID-safety measures are in place to ensure that everyone can have fun safely.

• Proof of COVID vaccination or lawful exemption will be required for anyone entering the Abbotsford Convent Precinct aged over 18 years.
• All Precinct visitors will be asked to check in on arrival.
• Hand sanitiser will be available.

• Prams are welcome at Bees. Prams can be parked alongside the performance space.
• There is a baby change facility in the accessible toilet in the main Convent building.
• Water, infants’ bottles and breastfeeding/chestfeeding are welcome, but we do ask that there is no eating in the Bees performance space where possible.
• Food and drinks (including takeaway options) are available to purchase from the Convent Bakery, Kappaya, and Cam’s Kiosk.
• You are also welcome to BYO food and drinks to Abbotsford Convent for picnicking before or after Bees.

Parking

All day parking is available in the car park directly across from the Abbotsford Convent Precinct on St Heliers Street. The machines accept credit cards, notes and gold coins. Funds from the car park go towards the restoration and daily operation of the Convent, and also support the Collingwood Children’s Farm.

Parking weekday rates

• 30 mins = free
• 90 mins= $5
• $2 per hour thereafter
• 6 – 10 hours = $14
• $2 per hour after 10 hours

Parking weekend rates

• 30 mins = $3
• $2 per hour thereafter
• 5 ½ – 10 hours = $14
• $2 per hour after 10 hours

Max daily rate (until 2am) = $28
Additional overnight fee (after 2am) = $25
Lost ticket = $28

Accessible Parking

The following accessible parking spaces are available for use by holders of a Disabled Persons permit:

• Two two-hour accessible on-street parking spaces are located on St Heliers Street, beside Gate One.
• Six accessible parking places are located at the front of the car park on the northern side of St Heliers Street.

Public Transport

• The Mernda and Hurstbridge train lines stop at Victoria Park Station. The train station is approximately 1km from the Precinct entrance.
• The 200, 202 and 207 bus routes stop at Clarke St/Johnston St. It is approximately 300m from the Precinct entrance.

Bicycles/walking

• The Capital City cycling and walking path passes the Precinct. The St Heliers Street turn-off is opposite the entrance to the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
• Bicycle racks are located throughout the Convent and also adjacent to the car park.

Convent Kids is an exciting program developed by Abbotsford Convent for children and families to explore and create art together. Developed in collaboration with leading artists, Convent Kids offers a range of fun hands-on activities that will inspire children and their families to experiment, learn and make art together.

For more information, visit abbotsfordconvent.com.au/about/key-programs/convent-kids