What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 11am - 3:30pm Thursday 11am - 3:30pm Friday 11am - 3:30pm

The Dax Centre

Home
Australia
Melbourne, VIC
The Dax Centre

Understanding mental illness through art We use the Collection to raise community awareness about mental illness.

The Dax Centre houses the Cunningham Dax Collection - a collection of over 16,000 works created by people with experience of mental illness or trauma. The Dax Centre not only exhibits the artworks, but offers a range of innovative programs for children, young adults, professionals and the community. These are designed to educate, build empathy and understanding, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. The reduction of stigma dismantles the obstacles to people seeking help.

07/10/2025

"I went on a weekend camp run by young people for young people. They talked together about very difficult things and the joy they found together was infectious."

Artwork in image: Unforgotten, 2025, Paul Rhodes, 30 x 40cm, mixed media, artist credit for image.

🖼️ Ever wondered what therapy might look like through an artist’s eyes?
Come explore Troubled /& beyond. by Paul Rhodes, now showing at The Dax Centre. And every artwork is available to purchase!

Paul is both a practicing therapist and an artist, and his work offers a deeply personal glimpse into the emotional journey of healing. It’s honest, reflective, and invites you to connect with the human experience in an evocative way.

Paul is kindly donating 30% of all sales to support The Dax Centre’s mission: using art to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health.

Buying a piece means you're helping us keep important conversations going and continue programs that make a real impact.

🗓️ Troubled /& beyond. is on until 31 October at The Dax Centre. Visit us in person or explore and buy online via the Linktree in our bio.

30/09/2025

"This pictures me in the city, with the words love and shadow on my face. If any love is possible its because we are aware of our shadows."

Artwork in image: Self portrait as a therapist, 2025, Paul Rhodes, 120 x 80cm, mixed media, artist credit for image.

Troubled /& beyond. by Paul Rhodes is now exhibiting at The Dax Centre, and every piece is available to purchase!

Paul is both a practicing therapist and a talented artist. His latest collection offers a raw, compelling exploration of the therapeutic journey, inviting viewers to engage with themes of healing, vulnerability, and the shared human experience.

In a generous gesture, Paul is donating 30% of all artwork sales to support The Dax Centre’s mission: harnessing the power of art to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health.

By purchasing a work, you’re not only investing in meaningful art - you’re helping us continue important conversations and programs that make a real difference.

🗓️ Troubled /& beyond. is on until 31 October at The Dax Centre. Visit us in person or explore and buy online via the Linktree in our bio.

29/09/2025

An upcoming change for The Dax Centre!⁠

Starting this week, the gallery will be open Wednesdays – Fridays, 11am – 3.30pm.

We will no longer be open on Tuesdays but stay tuned for exciting news about extended opening days in 2026!

28/09/2025

Mental Health Week is almost here!

A few final spots remain for guided group tours as part of Mental Health Week coming up October 4-12.

We offer 1 or 2 hour engaging, interactive, creative guided group tours for corporate and community groups.

To find out more and to book click 'Guided Group Tours' in the link in our bio

Image: Installation view of Transmutation: The Body as a Vessel, The lens of evolution, 2022, perspex, mirror and acrylic paint, dimensions variable (installation) by Weniki Hensch, as part of the Adopted exhibition at Dax

25/09/2025

This week's collection highlight is an emotive acrylic on artists' board work by Carla Krijt ✨️⁠

Carla began making art after a diagnosis of schizophrenia and mania, and described art as ‘having helped her at worst times of mental illness.’
She created many of her paintings and drawings as recollections of dreams she was experiencing. She described these dreams as often ’being taken over by grandiose images, ideas and voices’. These works were then a focus for her in trying to understand the meaning of the various symbols she identified in the images.
Carla often referred to these as 'ingredients', and stated the importance to her of ‘trying to understand the ingredients and their meaning to understand the story/dreams of her congested mind.’
Art helped Carla ‘to find structure through the chaos by turning to art when she feels lost...to mediate, relax and get clarity’.

To see more of Krijt's artworks, head to the 'Explore the Collection' link in our bio!⁠

Image credit: Carla Krijt, Thorns, 1987, 45 x 35cm, acrylic on artists’ board, 2003.3738

21/09/2025

Mental health week is coming up - October 4-12!

Are you looking for a unique, creative wellbeing activity for your group as part of your mental health week activities? We've got you covered!

We offer 1 or 2 hour engaging, interactive, creative guided tours for corporate and community groups. The tours are able to be tailored to suit your needs and can include facilitated creative mindfulness activities or a presentation and discussion with a trained mental health Advocate sharing their personal mental health lived experience story⁠⁠.

Bookings are filling up fast! For more info and to book click 'Guided Group Tours' in the link in our bio

Image: Installation view of Dax exhibition 'A Subtle Omen’ by France Cannon

Address

30 Royal Parade
Melbourne, VIC
3052

Opening Hours

Wednesday	11am - 3:30pm
Thursday	11am - 3:30pm
Friday	11am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+619349 2538

Website

http://www.daxcentre.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Dax Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Melbourne?

Our Story

The Dax Centre is a leader in the use of art to raise awareness and reduce stigma towards mental illness. Through our exhibitions and educational programs we seek to engage, inform and encourage community connections and conversations about mental health.

Image: Elizabeth Turnbull, My Ancestors & Me, 2010, acrylic on paper, Cunningham Dax Collection