a not-for-profit theatre and gallery
showcasing independent visual art, theatre and music
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our history
fortyfivedownstairs was established in 2002 by Mary Lou Jelbart and Julian Burnside AO QC. Their vision was to create a unique venue and cultural incubator in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Over the past twenty-four years, we have supported the presentation of work by thousands of independent artists across both the visual and performing arts.
fortyfivedownstairs acknowledges the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we gather to share art and performance, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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