It's hard to miss this iconic rusty structure in the arts precinct. It clearly denotes boldness.

Inside is Australia's only contemporary public gallery which is focused on commissioning rather than collecting.

It has very best, and the very boldest of contemporary art, curated by the inimitable Juliana Engberg, whose mission is to display the "most challenging, innovative and creative visual art of our time".

Three of the artists commissioned by ACCA, Callum Morton, Susan Norrie and Daniel Von Sturmer, have gone on to be exhibited in the Venice Biennale.

It's a bold space, and a bold experience, but the ACCA staff are warm and friendly and eager to talk about the exhibitions with visitors.

It's just next door to the Victorian College of the Arts, which means it draws a steady stream of serious art students and aficionados who refuel at the tiny café-cart on their way back to less stimulating destinations.