We have reopened and extended the date to submit an Expression of Interest, seeking a new custodian – or custodians – for Victoria’s Federation Handbells.
We are reopening the EOI due to a technical issue with the previous process and to ensure the process is fair and transparent.
If you previously submitted an EOI, please submit it again by emailing Georgia Melville, Senior Policy Officer, Creative Victoria at georgia.melville@creative.vic.gov.au
Please note – the submission requirements are the same so you will not need to re-do your submission. You can simply resend it to the email address above.
If you did not submit an application last time you now have the opportunity to express your interest.
Submissions will be accepted until 5pm Monday 21 July 2025. Read more about the Federation Handbells and Expression of Interest process below.
If you wish to discuss your submission or if you have any questions, please direct them to georgia.melville@creative.vic.gov.au
About the Federation Handbells and the Expression of Interest (EOI) process
Commissioned by the Victorian Government to mark the centenary of Federation in 2001, the Federation Handbells are musical instruments that were created by acoustic designer and researcher in auditory and music neuroscience Dr Neil McLaughlan and multi-disciplinary artist Anton Hassell.
Consisting of thousands of bells of various sizes and tones, the Handbells are the world's first true harmonic bells with each bell producing a single clear musical tone.
The Handbells have been loaned to musicians, orchestras, schools, universities, councils and more and have been used for performances and ceremonies.
The full Handbell Collection comprises 80 sets of 24 chromatic handbells.
With one set now owned by Museums Victoria, forming part of the state’s permanent collection, the remaining 79 sets (11 of which are incomplete) are proposed as part of this EOI to transfer to a new owner or owners. Submissions can be made to own, care for and provide public access to the complete collection, several sets or even an individual set.
This EOI seeks submissions from Victorian organisations that will provide suitable storage facilities and maintenance resources for the bells, and who can provide ongoing public programming of the Handbells to encourage their continued use and enjoyment by a broad range of Victorians.
To express your organisation’s interest in owning one or more handbell sets, please complete the EOI Response Form and submit to georgia.melville@creative.vic.gov.au by 5pm Monday 21 July 2025.
Distribution of the Handbells will be dependent on the EOI selection committee’s assessment against the criteria provided.
Further detail about this EOI including the selection criteria, and details of the proposed transfer process, can be found in the below guides.
OPEN DATE: Wednesday 23 June 2025
CLOSE DATE: 5pm Monday 21 July 2025
EOI forms
Handbell specifications
Transfer of ownership template
This document will be completed after the new owner/owners have been selected.