fortyfivedownstairs

The vision for fortyfivedownstairs is to create a versatile, centrally located and affordable platform for visual arts and performance. As a not-for-profit venue, supported by its foundation patrons and sponsors, it has become a mini cultural powerhouse and rapidly established itself as one of Melbourne's most popular and respected venues for music, exhibitions, theatre and intellectual discussion.

Theatre director, Ariette Taylor describes the magic of the space as "large, light, welcoming, going downstairs to find yourself upstairs. Immaculate, high, white walls, a rough grey floor and the towering window at the end create a space of openness as well as tension". 

Every exhibition and theatre production sees fortyfivedownstairs transformed into an exciting new environment.  Hundreds of artists, performers, musicians and volunteers  have exerted an extraordinary amount of energy and emotion over the past five years and it is because of these people, under the curatorial guidance of Mary Lou Jelbart and with the financial support of its patrons that fortyfivedownstairs has become an essential part of Melbourne's rich cultural life.