Field of Interest:           Arts & Culture
Grant Recipient:           fortyfivedownstairs
Project:                        Performance and Exhibition Venue
MCF Sub-fund:             Hartline

fortyfivedownstairs was established in 2001 to provide a versatile and interesting space for performance, exhibitions, forums and music.

Situated in a former factory, and gallery, in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, fortyfivedownstairs offers a home for innovative, original performance in music, dance, drama and physical theatre.  Its aim is to support artists and performers by providing an affordable city venue and to bring higher visibility and new audiences to companies which are creating some of the most innovative new theatre in Australia, as well as to artists who are not involved in the commercial gallery network.

Most theatre companies and individuals who hire the venue are not able to pay a market rent and very few make any significant amount of income for themselves.  

In the words of the Artistic Director, Mary Lou Gelbart  "To the question of why they should be supported, I always say 'imagine a country without its artists - without its imagination, without its conscience."

So far in 2007, fortyfivedownstairs has held 12 exhibitions, 7 theatre productions, 2 rehearsed play readings and 3 showings of works in development.
 
For further information go to www.fortyfivedownstairs.com