fortyfivedownstairs
45 Flinders Lane
Melbourne 3000

Since 2002 fortyfivedownstairs has offered a evocative urban space and a friendly, hands-on, personalised service to an eclectic mix of artists for theatre, visual arts, forum, music and dance events. Described by The Age as “a cultural powerhouse”, this not-for-profit organisation prides itself on showcasing the emerging, the independent, the experimental and the thought-provoking. Centrally located in the heart of Melbourne’s theatre district, fortyfivedownstairs is found within a beautiful, brick 19th Century building and features a theatre and two gallery spaces.

“I go to fortyfivedownstairs with a sense of anticipation, certain that what I will be offered is unique and the best of its type. When I leave, part of me is always different. I will always come back.”
Bill Cole, August 2009

Our galleries are located on the first level down. The two gallery spaces are wonderfully simple with their white walls, wooden floors and soft light. They provide a perfect blank canvas for the artworks displayed within.

“From an aesthetic point of view, the exhibiting space at fortyfive downstairs has a rightness to it. .. The spaces, and here I speak of both galleries, work for all kinds of exhibitions.” Cathy Drummond and Bill Hay, August 2009

Our theatre is on the next floor down; an intimate, versatile and grungy space which transforms with every production and show held within its unpainted brick walls.


Artists and Curators: Download information about exhibition proposals and gallery conditions here.
Performers and Directors: Download information about theatre proposals and conditions here.


fortyfivedownstairs aims to:

  • + present quality productions of new and classic theatre,
  • + encourage innovation, new ideas and hybrid art forms,
  • + give an opportunity to show work in development,
  • + provide opportunities for artists not represented by commercial galleries to exhibit in an inner city gallery.
  • + provide personalised service to artists, performers, patrons and visitors to the space.

It is a non-profit tax deductible incorporated association, under the artistic direction of Mary Lou Jelbart, writer, broadcaster and reviewer. The Board is chaired by Julian Burnside QC, and the Treasurer is well known specialist arts accountant Tom Lowenstein.

All donations to fortyfivedownstairs are tax deductible.  To support independent art donate here.