BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//fortyfivedownstairs - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:fortyfivedownstairs X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for fortyfivedownstairs REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260915 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261110 DTSTAMP:20260930T050737Z CREATED:20260915T050050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T050737Z UID:10004647-1789430400-1794268799@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:SMALL! 2026 Submission Form DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”ffds-gallery-artistname”]\nSMALL! 2026\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”ffds-gallery-exhibitionname”]\npresented by fortyfivedownstairs\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]SCROLL DOWN FOR SUBMISSION FORM \nEntries close\nMonday 9 November 2026\, 5pm \nArtwork delivery deadline\nFriday 20 November 2026\, 5pm \nExhibition runs\n3 – 17 December 2026[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]\nAll artists! All media! All SMALL! \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”round” active_color=”#EBEAEA” spacing=”1px” gap=”0px” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1789026094245{background-color: #FFFFFF !important;}”][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1518320329614-868977ba-1f9e905c-b0b3368e-b9ef2edb-f0663f53-0933″ title=”Description”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR FORTYFIVEDOWNSTAIRS’ SIXTH ANNUAL OPEN-CALL SMALL WORKS EXHIBITION: SMALL! 2026 \nThis exhibition is open to all artists\, whether you are a child artist\, a first-time creator\, or an established professional. Every submitted artwork will be displayed in our gallery on Flinders Lane in Melbourne’s CBD\, making SMALL! a truly inclusive showcase for artists of all experience levels. \nWe welcome a diverse range of styles and media\, including painting\, drawing\, photography\, prints\, textiles\, and small sculptural works. \nAll submitted artworks must meet two simple criteria: they should not exceed 20 x 20 cm (including any framing) and must be suitable for wall hanging. \nPlease note: artwork generated using AI will not be accepted. \nEvery artwork will be priced at $160\, regardless of the artist’s level or the medium used. \nThe artworks in the exhibition will be displayed anonymously\, ensuring equal opportunity for all artists and encouraging visitors to select their favourites based solely on their appeal. Only when an artwork is sold will the artist’s name be revealed to the buyer. \nPrizes will be awarded on the final night of the exhibition in the following categories: Under 18 Prize\, Painting Prize\, Drawing Prize\, Printmaking Prize\, Sculpture Prize\, Photography Prize\, Textile Prize\, Mixed Media Prize\, and People’s Choice Award. \nDiscounted entry fees are available for First Nations artists. Please contact us at gallery@fortyfivedownstairs.com for more information. \nEntries close Monday 9 November 2026\, 5pm. We have a limit of 1000 entries\, so please enter as early as possible to avoid missing out. \nPlease read T&Cs carefully as entry fees are not refundable. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”T&Cs” tab_id=”1518320329651-b769a1a3-29e6905c-b0b3368e-b9ef2edb-f0663f53-0933″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]SMALL! 2026 Exhibition – Terms & Conditions \nDOWNLOAD T&Cs PDF \nKey Dates \nBy submitting an entry\, artists agree to the following exhibition schedule: \n\nEntries close: Monday 9 November 2026\, 5:00pm\nArtwork delivery deadline: Friday 20 November 2026\, 5:00pm\n\nArtworks may be delivered at any time after submitting your entry. Early delivery is encouraged.\nIf posting your artwork\, please allow at least one week for delivery and send it to: fortyfivedownstairs gallery\nLower Ground\n45 Flinders Lane\nMelbourne VIC 3000\nAustralia\n\n\nPreview Night: Wednesday 2 December 2026\, 5:00 – 7:00pm – BOOK HERE\nOpening Night: Thursday 3 December 2026\, 5:00 – 7:00pm\nClosing Event & Prize Announcement: Thursday 17 December 2026\, 5:00 – 7:00pm\nExhibition dates: Thursday 3 December – Thursday 17 December 2026\nUnsold Artwork collection: Friday 18 December\, 12:00 – 6:30pm and Saturday 19 December\, 12:00 – 3:30pm\n\nEligibility \n\nSMALL! is open to all artists living in Australia.\nThere are no age restrictions.\n\nArtwork Requirements \n\nArtists may submit a maximum of two artworks (one artwork per submission).\nArtworks must not exceed 20 × 20 × 20 cm (8 × 8 × 8 inches)\, including any frame or display apparatus.\nArtworks may be smaller than these dimensions.\nAll artworks will be displayed anonymously.\nArtworks must be ready to hang and able to be securely displayed on a wall (e.g. hanging wire\, D-rings or canvas stretcher). Unframed works on paper will be pinned.\nArtworks requiring power must use tested and tagged electrical cords. Artists are responsible for providing batteries or other power sources. The gallery cannot replace batteries during the exhibition.\nArtworks must NOT be created with the use of AI\, in any part or form.\nAll artworks must arrive in good condition and be suitable for exhibition.\nfortyfivedownstairs reserves the right to decline or remove any artwork deemed unsuitable for display.\nFinal curatorial decisions rest with the gallery. Where two artworks are submitted\, they may be displayed separately.\n\nSubmission \n\nEntries must be submitted online by Monday 9 November 2026\, 5:00pm.\nThe entry fee is $25 per artwork and is non-refundable. If two artworks are submitted\, they must be entered via separate forms.\nArtists are responsible for ensuring their artwork is delivered by Friday 20 November 2026\, 5:00pm.\nLate artworks will not be exhibited and entry fees will not be refunded.\n\nLabelling & Packaging \nLabelling \nEach artwork must be securely labelled on the back with: \n\nArtist name\nArtwork title\nHanging orientation\n\nUnlabelled or unidentifiable artworks may not be exhibited at the discretion of the gallery. Entry fees will not be refunded. \nPackaging \n\nPackaging will not be stored by fortyfivedownstairs. Artists should take their packaging with them after delivering their artwork and reuse it when collecting the work.\n\nArtwork Sales \n\nAll artworks entered into SMALL! must be available for sale.\nArtworks are sold at a fixed price of $160.\nArtists receive $125 per artwork sold.\nfortyfivedownstairs retains a commission of $35.\nPrices are GST-inclusive where applicable.\n\nCollection & Returns \n\nUnsold artworks must be collected during the advertised collection times unless return postage has been arranged.\nIf you are unable to collect your work\, you may nominate someone to collect it on your behalf. Please notify the gallery by email before the exhibition closes.\nReturn postage is available within Australia only.\nReturn postage purchased with your entry costs $25. This fee is non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.\nReturn postage arranged after submitting your entry costs $40. This fee is non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.\nReturned artworks will be dispatched within 30 days of the exhibition closing. Please allow this time for packing and postage.\n\nLate Collection \nArtworks not collected\, and for which no alternative collection or return arrangements have been made\, will be held for four weeks after the collection dates. After this time\, they may be disposed of by the gallery. \nLiability \n\nfortyfivedownstairs will take reasonable care of artworks while they are in its possession.\nAll artworks are exhibited and stored at the artist’s own risk.\nfortyfivedownstairs accepts no responsibility for loss of or damage to artworks.\n\nCopyright & Image Reproduction \n\nBy entering SMALL! 2026\, artists grant fortyfivedownstairs permission to reproduce images of submitted artworks\, free of charge\, for promotional\, educational and publicity purposes across print and digital media.\nCopyright of the artwork remains with the artist.\nImages of selected and prize-winning artworks may be published on the fortyfivedownstairs website\, social media channels and other promotional material.\n\nRefunds \n\nEntry fees are non-refundable.\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”FAQs” tab_id=”1788744378398-2d10929b-2d6a”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]SMALL! 2026 FAQs \nDOWNLOAD FAQs \nPlease also see our SMALL! 2026 T&Cs. \nEligibility \nAm I eligible to participate in SMALL!? \nSMALL! is open to artists of all ages and experience levels\, including children\, emerging artists and established artists. \nArtists must be living in Australia. \nAll submitted artworks will be exhibited (unless they do not meet the requirements outlined below). \nArtwork Requirements \nWhat size can my artwork be? \nAll artworks must measure under 20 x 20 x 20cm on all sides\, including any framing. \nArtworks can be 2D (such as painting\, drawing\, photography or printmaking) or 3D (such as wall sculpture or ceramics)\, but must be suitable for hanging on a wall. \nHow do I measure my artwork? \nAll artworks are measured as: Height x Width x Depth. Framed works are measured from the external edge of the frame. The total external dimensions of framed artworks must be under 20 x 20 x 20cm. \nDoes my artwork need to be framed? \nNo. However\, all artworks must arrive ready to hang. \nWhat does “ready to hang” mean? \nYour artwork must arrive ready for installation. Examples of artworks that are considered “ready to hang” include: \n\nFramed works with suitable hanging fixtures\, such as wire\, D-rings or sawtooth fixtures.\nUnframed canvases (which will be hung from their stretcher bars).\nUnframed works on paper (which may be pinned). Please affix adhesive tabs if you do not want your work to be pinned.\n\nfortyfivedownstairs will not accept artworks that are not suitable for installation. This includes: \n\nWorks with unsuitable hanging methods\, such as string\, double-sided tape or no hanging mechanism.\nPaintings that are not fully dry at artwork drop off.\nFrames that are damaged\, unstable or unsuitable for exhibition.\nArtworks that may damage other artworks.\n\nWhere can I find frames under 20cm? \nGood places to look include: \n\nFraming stores\, which often stock ready-made frames\, canvases and boards.\nHomewares and home décor stores.\nOp shops and second-hand stores.\n\nIf you are based in Melbourne\, we recommend checking out Frames Readymade. Their Reclaimed + Range of Artist Packs\, which includes sizes from 4” x 4” to 5” x 7”\, are excellent as pre-framed boards for paintings\, while their ‘Seconds Stock’ in 4” x 6” and 5” x 7” are ideal for framing photos and drawings. \nCheck the external dimensions carefully before purchasing. The size listed on a frame usually refers to the size of artwork it holds\, not the overall size of the frame. A frame advertised as 20 x 20cm may therefore measure more than 20 x 20cm once the frame and backing are included. \nBecause all framed artworks must measure under 20 x 20 x 20cm externally\, we recommend choosing a frame with an advertised artwork size smaller than 20 x 20cm and checking its actual external measurements. \nPlease note: Some ready-made frames advertised as having a 20 x 20 cm external frame size actually exceed the SMALL size limit. Here are some common KMART frames where the exterior measurements exceed 20 cm (even though they are labelled as 20 cm): \n\n‘Nice Photo Frame – 6 in. x 6 in. (15 x 15 cm)’ (exterior measures 22.5 cm)\n‘Nice Photo Frame – 4 in. x 6 in. (10 x 15 cm)’ (exterior measures 22.5 cm)\n‘Manhattan Frame – 4 in. x 6 in.’ (exterior measures 22.5 cm)\n‘6 Piece Gallery Frame Set’ (exterior measures 21.5 cm)\n\nCan I enter a diptych\, triptych or multiple works as one artwork? \nYes\, provided all components together measure under 20 x 20 x 20cm when installed. \nThe work will be displayed as a single artwork\, with one title and sale price. The parts cannot be sold separately. \nCan I enter a 3D artwork? \nYes\, as long as the artwork measures less than 20 cm in all dimensions and can be hung on the wall\, it is acceptable. For example\, you could submit a ceramic plate and include hanging plate wires\, such as these ones available from Bunnings. \nDo you accept artworks requiring power? \nPowered artworks may be accepted if they can be connected to a standard power outlet and have been tagged and tested by a qualified electrician. \nArtists must provide batteries or other power sources for battery-operated works. The gallery cannot replace batteries during the exhibition. \nCan I use AI to create my artwork? \nNo. Artworks generated through AI\, even partially\, will not be accepted. \nSubmission \nHow do I enter? \nTo enter SMALL!\, scroll further down on this page\, complete the online Entry Form and pay the entry fee. \nWe will need your name\, address\, bank account details (to pay you for sold artworks)\, your ABN (if you have one)\, your artwork details (title\, medium\, size\, colour)\, and an image of your artwork (even if it isn’t finished). \nWhat is the entry fee? \nThe entry fee is $25. \nHow many artworks can I enter? \nEach artist may submit a maximum of two artworks. Each artwork must be entered separately\, with a separate Entry Form and $25 entry fee for each artwork. \nWhat is the deadline? \nThe deadline is Monday 9 November 2026\, 5pm. Late entries will not be accepted. \nDoes my artwork need to be completed by the entry deadline? \nNo. The entry deadline is for submitting the Entry Form only. Artworks must be completed and exhibition-ready by the Artwork Drop Off dates. \nWhy do I need to submit an image of my artwork? \nAll eligible artworks will be exhibited. Images are used to identify and administer artworks throughout SMALL!. By submitting an artwork image\, artists grant fortyfivedownstairs permission to use images of their artwork for SMALL! marketing and promotional purposes\, including online\, social media\, media releases and promotional materials. \nHow do I know my entry is confirmed? \nYou will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of submitting your entry. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, please check your spam or junk folder. If you still have not received confirmation after 24 hours\, contact: gallery@fortyfivedownstairs.com \nMy submission form is not working. What should I do? \nTry: \n\nRefreshing your browser.\nEnsuring images are under 2MB. You can take a screenshot of your image to reduce file size.\nUsing a different browser.\n\nIf the issue continues\, contact: gallery@fortyfivedownstairs.com or 03 9662 9966 \nI received a notification that SMALL! has reached maximum capacity when I tried to submit my entry. Can I still enter? \nSMALL! can accept a maximum of 1\,000 entries. Once this limit has been reached\, the online Entry Form will close and no further entries can be accepted. \nCan I edit my submission after submitting? \nPlease ensure all information is correct before submitting. If you need to amend information\, contact: gallery@fortyfivedownstairs.com. No amendments can be made after Friday 20 November 2026\, 5pm. \nHow is my information used? \nInformation supplied through the Entry Form is used only by fortyfivedownstairs staff for SMALL!. Artist information will not be shared with third parties or used for other purposes. Artist addresses may be used for return postage arrangements\, and bank details may only be used in the event of an artwork sale. \nWhy do you have a limit of 1000 entries for SMALL! 2026? \nUnfortunately\, we cannot store or display more than 1000 artworks in our gallery. As SMALL! has grown every year since it began in 2018\, we have had to limit the number of entries to 1000 artworks. Please enter as early as possible to avoid missing out. If we receive more than 1000 entries before the final submission date of 9 November\, we will have to close submissions early. \nArtwork Care and Responsibility \nHow will my artwork be cared for during SMALL!? \nfortyfivedownstairs will take reasonable care of artworks while they are in its possession; however\, artists acknowledge that artworks are exhibited and stored at their own risk. \nfortyfivedownstairs accepts no responsibility for loss of\, or damage to\, artworks. \nfortyfivedownstairs’ reasonable care obligation does not extend to: \n\nNormal wear and tear.\nInherent faults\, weaknesses or deterioration in the artwork or materials.\nDamage caused by inadequate packaging or transportation.\nDamage caused by unsuitable hanging methods\, installation requirements or artwork preparation.\n\nArtists are responsible for ensuring artworks are appropriately packaged\, transported and prepared for exhibition. \nArtwork Drop Off \nWhen do I need to deliver my artwork? \nArtwork must be received by: Friday 20 November 2026. Works can be delivered during gallery opening hours anytime before this date. \nLate artworks cannot be accepted and entry fees will not be refunded. \nCan someone else drop off my artwork? \nYes. A friend or nominated proxy may deliver your artwork on your behalf. \nCan I send my artwork by post? \nYes. We accept artworks sent by post or courier. \nPlease send artworks to: \nfortyfivedownstairs gallery\nLower Ground\n45 Flinders Lane\nMelbourne VIC 3000\nAustralia \nPlease package your artwork securely using materials suitable for return postage. \nDo I need to label my artwork? \nYes. Each artwork must be securely labelled on the back with: \n\nArtist name.\nArtwork title.\nHanging orientation.\n\nUnlabelled or unidentifiable artworks may not be exhibited. \nDo I need to bring packaging? \nNo packaging will be stored for artworks dropped off in person. Artists should take their packaging with them after delivery and reuse it for artwork collection. fortyfivedownstairs will only store packaging for artworks sent by post or courier to the gallery. \nCollection and Return \nWhen can I collect my unsold artwork? \nArtwork collection dates: Friday 18 December\, 12:00 – 6:30pm and Saturday 19 December\, 12:00 – 3:30pm. \nWhat do I need to do when collecting my artwork? \nWhen collecting your artwork\, you must: \n\nCheck in with gallery staff so your artwork can be located and recorded.\nProvide identification before your artwork can be released.\n\nNo artwork will be released without verification of ownership or proof of identity. \nCan someone else collect my artwork? \nYes. You may nominate a proxy to collect your artwork. Please email the name of your nominated proxy to: gallery@fortyfivedownstairs.com. Their identification will be checked before the artwork is released. \nI cannot collect my artwork on the collection days and I don’t have anyone to collect for me. What are my options? \nYou have the option to have your artwork returned by post during the submission process for a fee of $25. \nIf you are unable to collect your artwork and did not arrange for return postage when you submitted it\, please contact the gallery before the end of the exhibition (17 December). Please note that if you arrange for return postage after submitting\, the fee will be $40. \nReturn postage fees are non-refundable unless the artwork is sold. \nArtworks that are not collected\, and where no alternative arrangements have been made\, will be held for four weeks after collection dates. After this time\, artworks may be disposed of by the gallery. \nWhen will the posted artworks be returned? \nReturned artworks will be dispatched within 30 days of the exhibition closing. Please allow additional time for packing and postage. \n  \nExhibition Events \nWhat is the preview night? \nThe preview night is an exclusive ticketed event for collectors to view and purchase works before the exhibition opens. You can book your ticket here. \nWhen is the opening night? \nThe SMALL! opening night will be held on Thursday 3 December 2026\, 5-7pm. All artists and members of the public are invited to attend. No RSVP is required. Due to the popularity of the event\, we encourage visitors to allow space for others by keeping their visit brief. \nWhen is the closing night? \nThe SMALL! closing night will be held on Thursday 17 December\, 5-7pm. Prize winners will be announced at the closing event. All artists and members of the public are invited to attend. No RSVP is required. \nWhen is the exhibition open? \nThe exhibition will be open Thursday 3 December to Thursday 17 December. \nGallery hours: Tuesday–Friday: 12–7pm\, Saturday: 12–4pm \nArtwork Sales \nDo artworks need to be for sale? \nYes. All artworks entered into SMALL! must be available for purchase. All works will be priced at $160. \nHow much do I receive if my artwork sells? \nThe artist will receive $125 and fortyfivedownstairs will receive $35 commission. \nCan I reserve an artwork for someone else to buy? \nNo. \nHow can someone purchase artworks in SMALL!? \nInterested collectors can purchase artworks in person at the gallery or on our online gallery shop. Artworks will only be available online after 4 December 2026. \nAnonymity \nWhy are artworks displayed anonymously? \nSMALL! presents artworks anonymously to encourage visitors to choose works based on their personal connection and response to the artwork\, rather than the artist’s identity. \nArtist identities are revealed only after a work has sold. \nWill buyers know who created their artwork? \nYes. The artist’s name will be shared with the buyer after purchase. \nCan I share my artwork on social media? \nYou are welcome to promote your participation in SMALL! on social media. However\, please do not post images of your artwork identifying it as a SMALL! entry\, as artworks remain anonymous throughout the exhibition. \nPrizes \nWhat prizes are available? \nPrize categories include: Under 18 Prize\, Painting Prize\, Drawing Prize\, Printmaking Prize\, Sculpture Prize\, Photography Prize\, Textile Prize\, Mixed Media Prize\, People’s Choice Award. \nPrize values will be confirmed closer to the exhibition\, but will likely include vouchers from Melbourne-based art supply stores valued between $50–$150. \nWho judges the prizes? \nPrizes are judged by a selection panel of artists\, curators and arts workers. \nWhen will prize winners be announced? \nPrize winners will be announced at the closing night Thursday 17 December 2026\, 5-7pm. \n  \nIf you have a question that is not answered here\, please contact: \ngallery@fortyfivedownstairs.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Past Exhibitions” tab_id=”1788744596985-1e052f59-5951″][vc_btn title=”Past SMALL! exhibitions” custom_background=”#F6B3BC” custom_text=”#B63D3C” css_animation=”none” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Ffortyfivedownstairs.com%2Fsmall%2F”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Preview Night” tab_id=”1789025854657-189fe7d2-6dd6″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]Wednesday 2 December 2026\, 5-7pm \nJoin us for the preview night of SMALL! 2026 and be among the first to explore and choose from our annual community-sourced small works exhibition before it opens to the public on 3 December. \nIn SMALL!\, every artwork is 20 × 20 cm or smaller\, priced at $160\, and displayed anonymously. \nOpen to artists of all ages and experience levels\, the exhibition brings the work of established professionals\, emerging talents and young artists together\, side by side. Expect an eclectic mix of styles and media\, including painting\, drawing\, sketches\, prints\, textiles and small sculptural works. \nWith the artist’s identity kept secret\, SMALL! creates a level playing field\, inviting you to choose a work based purely on personal connection and aesthetic appeal. The artist is revealed only after the work is sold – making every purchase a little surprise and a celebration of artistic equality. \nPlus\, one lucky ticket holder will win the door prize: an artwork of their choice! \nDrinks and nibbles included – service concludes at 6.45pm. \n.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”BOOK HERE” custom_background=”#F59FAA” custom_text=”#900606″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2FFORTYFIVEDOWNSTAIRS.sales.ticketsearch.com%2Fsales%2Fsalesevent%2F169218″][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap=”0px” css_animation=”none” local_scroll_id=”form”][vc_column]\n\n \n \n SMALL! 2026 Submission Form\n "*" indicates required fields \n \n \n Step 1 of 2\n \n \n 50%\n \n \n Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Address* \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire\, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo\, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea\, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea\, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine\, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena\, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania\, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands\, BritishVirgin Islands\, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe\n Country\n \n \n Phone*Email*\n \n \n Enter Email\n \n \n \n Confirm Email\n \n \n Bank Account: Name account is held in*For payment of sold worksBank Account: BSB*Bank Account: Number*ABNOnly required if you have one. Please indicate whether you are under the age of 18To be eligible for the 'Under 18 Prize'\n \n \n No\n \n \n \n Yes\n Artwork DetailsTitle*Medium*Size*Height x width cm (e.g. 20 x 20 cm\, 12 x 16 cm)Artwork Colour*Select the main colour of your artwork\n \n \n Red\n \n \n \n Brown\n \n \n \n Orange\n \n \n \n Yellow\n \n \n \n Green\n \n \n \n Blue\n \n \n \n Purple\n \n \n \n Pink\n \n \n \n Neutral\n \n \n \n White\n \n \n \n Black\n \n \n \n Grey\n Image*Please provide an image of your work (even if it is not completed). Accepted file types: jpg\, jpeg\, png\, Max. file size: 10 MB. \n \n \n Next \n \n \n \n \n ConditionsSMALL! 2026 Terms and Conditions* I have read and agree to the requirements and conditions as outlined belowSMALL! 2026 Exhibition – Terms & Conditions\nKey Dates\nBy submitting an entry\, artists agree to the following exhibition schedule:\n• Entries close: Monday 9 November 2026\, 5:00pm\n• Artwork delivery deadline: Friday 20 November 2026\, 5:00pm\no Artworks may be delivered at any time after submitting your entry. Early delivery is encouraged.\no If posting your artwork\, please allow at least one week for delivery and send it to: fortyfivedownstairs gallery\nLower Ground\n45 Flinders Lane\nMelbourne VIC 3000\nAustralia\n• Preview Night (ticketed event): Wednesday 2 December 2026\, 5:00 - 7:00pm\n• Opening Night: Thursday 3 December 2026\, 5:00 - 7:00pm\n• Closing Event & Prize Announcement: Thursday 17 December 2026\, 5:00 - 7:00pm\n• Exhibition dates: Thursday 3 December - Thursday 17 December 2026\n• Artwork collection: Friday 18 December\, 12:00 - 6:30pm and Saturday 19 December\, 12:00 - 3:30pm\n________________________________________\nEligibility\n• SMALL! is open to all artists living in Australia.\n• There are no age restrictions.\n________________________________________\nArtwork Requirements\n• Artists may submit a maximum of two artworks (one artwork per submission).\n• Artworks must not exceed 20 × 20 × 20 cm (8 × 8 × 8 inches)\, including any frame or display apparatus.\n• Artworks may be smaller than these dimensions.\n• All artworks will be displayed anonymously.\n• Artworks must be ready to hang and able to be securely displayed on a wall (e.g. hanging wire\, D-rings or canvas stretcher). Unframed works on paper will be pinned.\n• Artworks requiring power must use tested and tagged electrical cords. Artists are responsible for providing batteries or other power sources. The gallery cannot replace batteries during the exhibition.\n• All artworks must arrive in good condition and be suitable for exhibition.\n• fortyfivedownstairs reserves the right to decline or remove any artwork deemed unsuitable for display.\n• Final curatorial decisions rest with the gallery. Where two artworks are submitted\, they may be displayed separately.\n________________________________________\nSubmission\n• Entries must be submitted online by Monday 9 November 2026\, 5:00pm.\n• The entry fee is $25 per artwork and is non-refundable.\n• Artists are responsible for ensuring their artwork is delivered by Friday 20 November 2026\, 5:00pm.\n• Late artworks will not be exhibited and entry fees will not be refunded.\n________________________________________\nLabelling & Packaging\n• Each artwork must be securely labelled on the back with: artist name\, artwork title and hanging orientation.\no Unlabelled or unidentifiable artworks may not be exhibited at the discretion of the gallery. Entry fees will not be refunded.\n• Packaging will not be stored by fortyfivedownstairs. Artists should take their packaging with them after delivering their artwork and reuse it when collecting the work.\n________________________________________\nArtwork Sales\n• All artworks entered into SMALL! must be available for sale.\n• Artworks are sold at a fixed price of $160.\n• Artists receive $125 per artwork sold.\n• fortyfivedownstairs retains a commission of $35.\n• Prices are GST-inclusive where applicable.\n________________________________________\nCollection & Returns\n• Unsold artworks must be collected during the advertised collection times unless return postage has been arranged.\n• If you are unable to collect your work\, you may nominate someone to collect it on your behalf. Please notify the gallery by email before the exhibition closes.\n• Return postage is available within Australia only.\n• Return postage purchased with your entry costs $25. This fee is non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.\n• Return postage arranged after submitting your entry costs $40. This fee is non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.\n• Returned artworks will be dispatched within 30 days of the exhibition closing. Please allow this time for packing and postage.\n________________________________________\nLate Collection\nArtworks not collected\, and for which no alternative collection or return arrangements have been made\, will be held for four weeks after the collection dates. After this time\, they may be disposed of by the gallery.\n________________________________________\nLiability\n• fortyfivedownstairs will take reasonable care of artworks while they are in its possession.\n• All artworks are exhibited and stored at the artist's own risk.\n• fortyfivedownstairs accepts no responsibility for loss of or damage to artworks.\n________________________________________\nCopyright & Image Reproduction\n• By entering SMALL! 2026\, artists grant fortyfivedownstairs permission to reproduce images of submitted artworks\, free of charge\, for promotional\, educational and publicity purposes across print and digital media.\n• Copyright of the artwork remains with the artist.\n• Images of selected and prize-winning artworks may be published on the fortyfivedownstairs website\, social media channels and other promotional material.\n________________________________________\nRefunds\n• Entry fees are non-refundable.Artwork Return*Our preference is for artworks to be collected in person.\n\nIf you require return postage\, it can be purchased with your entry for $25. If arranged after submitting your entry\, the fee is $40. Return postage fees are non-refundable unless the artwork is sold.\n\nReturned artworks will be dispatched within 30 days of the exhibition closing. \n\n \n \n FREE: Collect in person (or via nominated proxy)\n \n \n \n $25: Return postage\n Uncollected Artwork Agreement*\n \n I agree that if my unsold artwork is not collected between Friday 18 December 2026 (12 - 6:30pm) and Saturday 19 December 2026 (12:00 - 3:30pm)\, and no prior collection arrangement has been made\, it may be disposed of.\n Upon submitting this form you will be redirected to a thank you page. If you are not redirected then your form entry hasn't gone through -please check for errors and try again.Coupon Total\n \n Credit Card*Card Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n Interested in future opportunities\, exhibitions and workshops at fortyfivedownstairs?*Select the fortyfivedownstairs mailing list(s) you’d like to subscribe to:\n \n Fortnightly newsletter\n \n \n Art workshops\n \n \n Opening nights & artwork sales\n \n \n None\n PLEASE CHECK IF YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITHIN 24 HOURS OF SUBMITTING. IF YOU HAVE NOT\, YOUR SUMBISSION WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL.\n\nCommon causes of unsuccessful submissions are that image files are too large. Images must be less than 2MB. If problem persists\, contact the gallery at gallery@fortyfivedownstairs.com.\n Previous Submit SMALL! entry \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ\n \n [/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/small-2026-submission-form/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs gallery\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:gallery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SMALL1-2500x2500-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="fortyfivedownstairs":MAILTO:info@fortyfivedownstairs.com GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs gallery 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261015 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261102 DTSTAMP:20261001T031954Z CREATED:20251126T025051Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T031954Z UID:10004572-1792022400-1793577599@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:Never Closer DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”ffds-theatre-company”]\nPatalog Theatre in association with fortyfivedownstairs presents\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1762398335315{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-title”]\nNever Closer by Grace Chapple\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1785827352584{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-dates”]15 October – 1 November 2026[/vc_column_text]book online Double Bill – Never Closer & This Is Our Youth [vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1517972522288{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” el_class=”ffds-theatre-details”][vc_column width=”2/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1517986542329{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f8f8f8 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517986153292{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]\nSHOW DETAILS:\n[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”40″ color=”custom” el_id=”ffds-theatre-divider”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1790218467959{padding-top: 5px !important;}”]Thursday 15 October – Sunday 1 November 2026\n\npreview: Thursday 15 October\nopening night: Friday 16 October\nduration: 90 minutes no interval\ntimes:\nTuesday to Saturday 7:30pm\nSunday 4pm\nticket price: $35 – $55\nbookings: 03 9662 9966 \nwarnings: \n\ncoarse language\nheavy themes\nloud noises\nbright lights\nherbal cigarettes\nsimulated violence\nsexual references\n\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1451285630039-f4b33ad9-e29065c5-b63365ad-01c60201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1b840-8ba4″ title=”Description”][vc_column_text]1987. Moonlight bathes a troubled Northern Ireland in a mournful melancholy. Night after night\, a young woman lies awake\, seeing phantoms in the shadows and hearing banshees wail on the gusts of night. \nDierdre is stuck – between friends\, lovers and nations; haunted by the ghosts of the lives she almost lived. When her old school friends gather in her kitchen on Christmas Eve\, their once charming differences devolve into divisive fractures\, revealing a dormant powder keg tempting the tiniest of sparks. \nSet against the backdrop of an occupied Ireland\, Grace Chapple’s scorching debut play is an unforgettable drama of home\, friendship\, the decision to leave or stay and the possibility of forgiveness. A new Australian work from a young playwright ruminating on her ancestral land\, Never Closer catches the tremors of a whole country and time\, resonating with striking clarity to this present moment. \n★★★★ “one of the finest ensemble performances I’ve seen for a while” Cameron Woodhead\, The Age \n★★★★ “packs a powerful punch” Thuy On\, Limelight \n★★★★ “Grace Chapple has a shining future ahead of her.” Jennifer Beasley\, Theatre Matters[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Cast and Creatives” tab_id=”1452941644640-19a0de81-e87a0201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1b840-8ba4″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]Writer: Grace Chapple \nDirector: Marni Mount \nAssociate Director: Maeve Hook \nCast: Damon Baudin\, Rupert Bevan\, Enya Daly\, Ella Ferris\, Molly Holahan & Kaivu Suvarna \nSet & Costume Designers: Dann Barber & Ella Butler \nSound Designer: Rachel Lewindon \nLighting Designer: Sam Martin \nStage Manager: Liz Bird \nVoice & Dialect Coach: Anna McCrossin-Owen \nProducer: Ben Walter (Patalog Theatre) and Cameron Lukey (fortyfivedownstairs) \nAssociate Producer: Seamus Allan (Patalog) \nAssociate Sound Design: Julian Smith-Gard \nAssistant Stage Manager: Ivy Miller \nIntimacy Co-ordinator: Eliza Grundy \nFight Choreographer: Joshua Bell \nDesign Assistance: Maz Tynan[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ticket Prices and Concessions” tab_id=”1452941768731-94b426f3-57530201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1b840-8ba4″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]\nTicket Prices:\nPreview: $35\nFull: $49 ($55 Sunday)\nConcession: $39 ($45 Sunday)\nGroup 6+: $39 ($45 Sunday)\nMob tickets (discount for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island mob): $35 \nConcessions:\nPensioners/Full-time students/MEAA members \nTicket sales are subject to a booking fee of $5.00 per ticket \nTicket fees are charged reluctantly. As an unfunded CBD located venue\, our expenses continue to rise. If fortyfivedownstairs is to survive\, we are obliged to increase our revenue without inflicting costs on already struggling artists. Without support\, we risk losing artists or having to close our doors. We do hope for your understanding![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][vc_empty_space]book online [/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/never-closer/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs theatre\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne 3000\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:theatre ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PNC6139-2-16_HR_square.jpg GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs theatre 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261103 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261115 DTSTAMP:20260827T054405Z CREATED:20260826T173014Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T054405Z UID:10004643-1793664000-1794700799@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:5/6 DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”ffds-gallery-artistname”]\n5/6\nA celebration of friendship through art\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”ffds-gallery-exhibitionname”]\nJennifer Fletcher\, Lisa O’Keefe\, Carolyn Roberts\, Chris Rowe & Jill Symes\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text css=””]3 – 14 November 2026 \nhours:\nTuesday – Friday: 12pm – 7pm\nSaturdays: 12pm – 4pm \nadmission: Free[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n…five individuals working in different ways\, showing their distinct and passionate views of the world through their own personal visual narratives… \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]Load More[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs shape=”round” color=”white” active_section=”1″ no_fill_content_area=”true”][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1518320329614-868977ba-1f9e905c-b0b3368e-b9ef2edb-f0663f53-0933″ title=”Exhibition Description”][vc_column_text css=””]In 1993 six artists: Jennifer Fletcher\, Lisa O’Keefe\, Carolyn Roberts\, Chris Rowe\, Jill Symes\, and Dee Waterhouse\, came together for the exhibition Form\, Figure\, Fragment\, at Caulfield Arts Complex. \nFrom this meeting of minds\, an enduring friendship developed and in 2013 there was a further group show. \nThey have remained artists and friends for over three decades\, each continuing to exhibit and work in her own art practice. \nSadly\, Dee Waterhouse is no longer with us\, but the remaining five friends have come together again for one more display of collective energy – a celebration of friendship through art. \nThe exhibition 5/6 is five individuals working in different ways\, showing their distinct and passionate views of the world through their own personal visual narratives.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Jennifer Fletcher” tab_id=”1787131951383-51b96f1a-c01a”][vc_column_text css=””]Jennifer Fletcher is a mixed-media artist who has been working and exhibiting both nationally and internationally since the 1980s. She has a BA Fine Arts (Printmaking) with a special interest in creating unique state prints. \nJennifer was born in north west NSW into an aviation family. Flying low over the Australian landscape in small aircraft gave her an aerial perspective of the world from a very young age.  Living close to the bush and swimming in the sea have always been close to her heart\, producing a profound fascination with the natural world and this ancient land we call home. \nGathering detritus from storm washed beaches\, kelp\, seaweed and sea sponges\, delicate plant life\, the patterns of roots and branches\, the mysterious sacred geometry of our world that knits everything together. Intricacies of plant forms\, in sea or on land\, ancient formations of weathered stone or mountain ranges all exert a powerful fascination that never grows old. \nJennifer spent nine years in Italy\, living in a rural area absorbed in local life\, history and culture while working and exhibiting. Home is now on the Mornington Peninsula\, Bunurong country\, where she swims in the Bay and delights in the beauty of this diverse geographical area. \nOver many years exhibiting in solo and selected group shows\, of opening her studio to the public on a regular basis\, Jennifer’s work has been collected by private\, public and corporate collections. \nFB       :           Jennifer Fletcher Artist\nIG        :           @jennifer.fletcher.artist\nPST    :           www.peninsulastudiotrailinc.org[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Lisa O’Keefe” tab_id=”1787214879275-0c2fec48-c572″][vc_column_text css=””]Lisa O’Keefe studied Art at the ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE des BEAUX-ARTS\, Paris\, graduating with Honours in Painting. \nIn the nearly 15 years she lived there\, her work gradually moved from abstract to figurative\, becoming more so on her return to Australia.  However\, abstraction did not disappear entirely.  The figures and other figurative elements exist within an abstract framework\, and within this\, she sets out to explore colour and texture (or the illusion of it). \nThe stories that unfold\, often diverse and detailed\, are juxtaposed against a smooth and empty background\, the intention being to create an area of calm\, a void.  These are paintings from the imagination but rooted in reality. – the world around us\, anecdotes\, personal experiences.   Questions are asked.  Do we have answers? \nAnd\, they express that endless need to record\, make marks and communicate in a visual way. \nLisa has exhibited consistently over the years\, picked up several awards and is represented in private and public collections in Australia and overseas. \nWebsite:        www.lisaokeefe.com.au\nInstagram:     Lisa.okeefe4\nGroups:          MSWPS (Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors)\nMelbourne Artists Society\nPAS (Peninsula Artists Society )[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Carolyn Roberts” tab_id=”1787214951249-0ebdeebf-2b4c”][vc_column_text css=””]Carolyn Roberts is a multi-media artist who works mainly in watercolour and mixed media on paper.  Her love of watercolour comes from its freshness\, directness and immediacy. \nShe has long been interested in questions of time\, place and identity\, interwoven with the natural world and the cycle of life.  Carolyn examines the big picture\, by the close observation of its components; her works examine the minutiae of the landscape\, the little things that make up the whole. \nCarolyn has spent the last 13 years living between Melbourne and rural Normandy\, which has influenced her work to a great extent.  This latest body of work is concerned with destruction and regeneration; in particular the bombing of the city of St Lo by the allies in 1944. \nThe built environment has been restored since the war\, just as the natural world continually restores itself.  However the scars still remain visible in the landscape. \nInformed by\, but not bound by the rules of botanical and scientific illustration\, the artist reconstructs her environment in order to better understand it. \nCarolyn has a long exhibition history and has won several awards.  She has works in both private and public collections. \nShe has a Master of Fine Arts from Monash University.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Chris Rowe” tab_id=”1787214992702-88ceeca6-5cc4″][vc_column_text css=””]Chris is a full time award winning mixed media artist\, holds a BA Fine Art (Painting) and has been exhibiting nationally and internationally in solo\, selected and group shows since the late 1980s. \nCombining collage with a variety of compatible professional mediums has been her enduring challenge and continuing journey. \nOver the years Chris’ works\, informed by her life’s experiences\, have gradually become more complex and multilayered. \nHer people gather and wonder in environments of unknown composites. \nThey confer\, wait\, and search to understand themselves\, each other and their world. \nPerspectives are altered\, different in time and place while simultaneously\, an echo of life. \nWhat if anything is real or purely imagined? \nHer works are the imagery\, the viewer creates their story\, where the more one looks\, the more one sees. \nWebsite: www.chrisrowe.com.au\nBluethumb Online Gallery: https://bluet.hm/ChrisR\nInstagram: @chrisrowefineart[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Jill Symes” tab_id=”1787215058377-84b57aa8-e43a”][vc_column_text css=””]Jill Symes is a Melbourne based ceramic artist working with hand built terracotta and white earthenware since the 1970’s. Known for her strong forms and love of simplicity\, asymmetry and mark making her works have been acquired by numerous public collections such as the City of Bayside\, City of Whitehorse\, and importantly several in the Shepparton Art museum (SAM) as well as many private and corporate collections in Australia and overseas. \nKnown for her hand built sculptural vessels and layering techniques with recycled and earthenware clays\, Jill employs unique firing methods including gas kiln sagger firing and shallow in ground pit firing with timber\, sawdust and salt. She is well known for her love of surface treatment\, frequently burnishing the leather hard clay surface with polished gemstones or the back of a spoon\, then often adding slips\, oxides and sgraffito details before firing. \nA multiple award winning artist\, Jill has conducted many workshops in New Zealand and across Australia\, imparting her knowledge and experience to all levels of ceramic artists from professional to beginner. To this end she has run workshops in hand building and firing for numerous potters groups around Melbourne and country Victoria\, mostly under the auspices of Craft Victoria. \nJill Symes distinctive sculptural forms are based on her close observation of history\, landscape and the earth from which her material comes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/5-6/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs gallery\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:gallery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Looking-for-Answers-Lisa-OKeefe-Acrylic-on-canvas-130x130-cm.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="fortyfivedownstairs":MAILTO:info@fortyfivedownstairs.com GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs gallery 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261105 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261116 DTSTAMP:20261001T034839Z CREATED:20260805T063921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T034839Z UID:10004635-1793836800-1794787199@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:This Is Our Youth DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”ffds-theatre-company”]\nLunatix Theatre presents\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1785804429454{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-title”]\nThis Is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1785804440074{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-dates”]5 – 15 November 2026[/vc_column_text]book online Double Bill – Never Closer & This Is Our Youth [vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1517972522288{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” el_class=”ffds-theatre-details”][vc_column width=”2/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1517986542329{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f8f8f8 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517986153292{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]\nSHOW DETAILS:\n[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”40″ color=”custom” el_id=”ffds-theatre-divider”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1787119431296{padding-top: 5px !important;}”]Thursday 5 – Sunday 15 November 2026\n\npreview: Thursday 5 November\nopening night: Friday 6 November\nduration: 2 hours & 20 minutes including interval\ntimes:\nTuesday to Saturday 7:30pm\nSunday 4pm\nticket price: $30 – $50\nbookings: 03 9662 9966 \nwarnings: TBC[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1451285630039-f4b33ad9-e29065c5-b63365ad-01c60201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1b3a9-604b” title=”Description”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]New York\, 1982 – the future is here and it’s going to shit. When 19 year old stoner Warren is kicked out of home and steals money from his ‘not a criminal\, just in business with criminals’ father\, he sets off a wild 24 hours of schemes\, dreams\, awkward romance and crashing headfirst into the real world. \nFunny\, painful and compassionate\, Kenneth Lonergan’s This Is Our Youth is a contemporary classic about coming of age in uncertain times\, brought to life in Melbourne’s iconic fortyfivedownstairs venue! \nDirected by Maeve Hook (Never Closer)\, starring Amir Antoine (Cleopatra and Antony)\, Lachlan Herring (Punk Rock) and Emily O’Brien (Mojo).[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Cast and Creatives” tab_id=”1452941644640-19a0de81-e87a0201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1b3a9-604b”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]CAST  \nDennis: Amir Antoine \nWarren: Lachlan Herring \nJessica: Emily O’Brien \n  \nCREATIVES \nDirector: Maeve Hook \nStage Manager: Estella Koce \nSet Designer: Ashley Reid \nLighting Design: Gabe Bethune \nSound Design: Julian Smith-Gard \nCostume Design: Perrie Taylor \nProduction Assistant: Lachlan Herring \nIntimacy Coordinator: Jessica Stanley \nFight Coordinator: Joshua Bell \nAccent Coach: Matt Furlani \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ticket Prices and Concessions” tab_id=”1452941768731-94b426f3-57530201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1b3a9-604b”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]\nTicket Prices:\nPreview: $35\nFull: $50\nConcession: $40\nGroup 6+: $40\nMob tickets (discount for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island mob): $30 \nConcessions:\nPensioners/Full-time students/MEAA members \nTicket sales are subject to a booking fee of $5.00 per ticket \nTicket fees are charged reluctantly. As an unfunded CBD located venue\, our expenses continue to rise. If fortyfivedownstairs is to survive\, we are obliged to increase our revenue without inflicting costs on already struggling artists. Without support\, we risk losing artists or having to close our doors. We do hope for your understanding![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][vc_empty_space]book online [/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/this-is-our-youth/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs theatre\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne 3000\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:theatre ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/poster-image-EDITED-Sqaure.jpg GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs theatre 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261117 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261129 DTSTAMP:20260903T055117Z CREATED:20260827T015803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T055117Z UID:10004644-1794873600-1795910399@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:DIREL Lake Tyrrell: Traces in Salt\, Colonisation by Design DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”ffds-gallery-artistname”]\nDIREL Lake Tyrrell\nTraces in Salt\, Colonisation by Design\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”ffds-gallery-exhibitionname”]\nLea Rose\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text css=””]17 – 28 November 2026 \nInteractive artist talks: \nSaturday 21 November\, 1pm\nSaturday 28 November\, 1pm \nhours:\nTuesday – Friday: 12pm – 7pm\nSaturdays: 12pm – 4pm \nadmission: Free[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n…fosters contemplative engagement with collective responsibility\, exposes cultural injustices\, and challenges Australia’s national psyche to reckon with colonial histories… \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”30px”]Load More[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs shape=”round” color=”white” active_section=”1″ no_fill_content_area=”true”][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1518320329614-868977ba-1f9e905c-b0b3368e-b9ef2edb-f0663f53-0933″ title=”Exhibition Description”][vc_column_text css=””]Lea Rose (Irish settler) is a Naarm-based political ecologist\, human and cultural geographer and emerging artist. Rose is undertaking a transdisciplinary PhD at the University of Melbourne\, Faculty of Science (School of Geography\, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences)\, following postgraduate study in Contemporary Art at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Rose’s research critically examines the legacies of colonial power\, governance and systems of control\, with a place-based focus on the impacts of colonisation on Direl (Lake Tyrrell)\, Mallee\, Victoria. Across academic and artistic practice\, Rose fosters contemplative engagement with collective responsibility\, exposes cultural injustices\, and challenges Australia’s national psyche to reckon with colonial histories. This solo exhibition presents the culmination of Rose’s practice-led PhD research\, bringing together extensive fieldwork undertaken at Direl (Lake Tyrrell). Combining moving image\, installation and archival research\, the exhibition reflects the relationship between the landscape and colonial histories. \n2026 PhD Graduate Researcher (Cultural Geography\, Fine Arts\, History of Empires\, Imperialism and Colonisation\, Australian History) Faculty of Science (School of Geography\, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences) University of Melbourne \nGraduate Certificate Visual Arts VCA\, University of Melbourne \nGraduate Diploma Education\, University of Melbourne \nBA Fine Arts\, Prahran/VCA\, University of Melbourne \nlea@learose.com.au\nInstagram:@lea.kylie.rose\nwww.learose.com.au[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/direl-lake-tyrrell/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs gallery\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:gallery ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hero-image-e1787215958946.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="fortyfivedownstairs":MAILTO:info@fortyfivedownstairs.com GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs gallery 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261201 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261203 DTSTAMP:20261001T032156Z CREATED:20260909T024747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T032156Z UID:10004636-1796083200-1796255999@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:The Highly Strung Players DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”ffds-theatre-company”]\nThe Highly Strung Players present\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1787120894620{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-title”]\nThe Marriage Game & The Volcano\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1787120907426{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-dates”]1 – 2 December 2026[/vc_column_text]book online for the marriage game book online for the volcano [vc_empty_space]book online for double bill [/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” el_class=”ffds-theatre-details”][vc_column width=”2/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1517986542329{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f8f8f8 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517986153292{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]\nSHOW DETAILS:\n[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”40″ color=”custom” el_id=”ffds-theatre-divider”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1788922190220{padding-top: 5px !important;}”]Tuesday 1 December – Wednesday 2 December 2026\n\nduration: 90 minutes\ntimes: 7:30pm\nticket price: $25 – $65\nbookings: 03 9662 9966 \nwarnings: TBC[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1451285630039-f4b33ad9-e29065c5-b63365ad-01c60201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1c796-b36f” title=”Description”][vc_column_text]Over the past decade the Highly Strung Players have been entertaining audiences with performances of Peter Rose’s short plays. This absurdist troupe\, which began appearing at fortyfivedownstairs in 2017\, presents rehearsed readings with a changing ensemble. Now the Highly Strung Players return to fortyfivedownstairs with its most ambitious program yet: a two-night season of four inter-related plays\, with Rose’s trademark ironies and satire. Along the way we meet or learn about many of his eccentric characters\, including the enigmatic and much-maligned Vanessa. The season culminates with Rose’s latest play\, The Volcano. Audiences can expect two nights of sophisticated humour and absurdist leaps. \n“The Highly Strung Players’ original absurdist works are playful\, witty and multi-layered. Renowned wordsmith Peter Rose has a fine sense of what lies beneath the surface of relationships and social interaction. His clever duologues highlight our foibles and delusions with sensitivity and humour.” Helen Morse \n“The more you see The Highly Strung Players perform\, the more you learn. The company’s repertoire comprises not separate plays but is part of an ever-expanding continuum. Peter Rose’s words are naturally poetic\, proving the power of poetry in motion and emotion. As with fine chamber music\, Peter’s words are designed to make you listen\, to pay attention\, to focus – to narrow down on all the quirks and frailties and intensities of the human condition. \nThese are true conversation pieces. At first\, the exchanges may seem like small talk – superficial\, brittle\, even bitchy – but they coalesce gradually\, inexorably\, to reveal a world of past experiences and associations that have occurred somewhere offstage\, remaining unforgotten and often unforgiven. There are epiphanies\, too\, an ominous undercurrent that is indicative of profound\, life-changing force. Surprises\, even shocks\, can erupt swiftly.” Michael Shmith[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Program” tab_id=”1787121213739-0564f716-1d67″][vc_column_text]The Marriage Game – Tuesday\, December 1\, 2026 \nPeter Rose and Ellie Nielsen present three short plays drawn from The Ones\, Rose’s celebrated series of satires about publishing and married life. We follow our two publishers over the course of twenty years: from the start of their relationship to the brittle present\, when Robert seeks to revisit the ‘pact of infertility’. \nThe program will run for ninety minutes\, including one interval.  \n  \nThe Volcano – Wednesday\, December 2\, 2026 \nRose’s new play (2026) presents four characters not encountered in previous works\, but they have deep social connections with those featured in The Ones and other plays. In the first act we meet Dallas and Edward\, tourists in Sicily who contemplate a momentous visit to a volcano. In Act 2\, five years later\, their twin children (Timmy and Melody) recall the events of that day and reminisce about a lost sibling\, Teddy. In the final act\, Timmy – trying to make sense of why he has been disinherited – is enlightened by an unexpected guest. \nThe Volcano (performed by Georgina Banks\, Ellie Nielsen and Peter Rose) will run for ninety minutes\, including one interval.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Biographies” tab_id=”1452941644640-19a0de81-e87a0201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1c796-b36f”][vc_column_text]Georgina Banks – a writer\, facilitator\, and performer – was a professional actor in her twenties\, studying acting in New York and then working in theatre and television for over a decade. In 2023 she published her first book\, Back to Bangka\, which was recently featured on ABC TV: Compass\, The Myth of the Nurses on the Beach. She first performed with the Highly Strung Players in 2025. \nEllie Nielsen holds a degree from VCA drama school and a Master of Creative Writing from RMIT University. As a Naarm (Melbourne)-based actor\, writer and dramaturg\, her work focuses on new and independent theatre. She is the author of the internationally published memoir Buying a Piece of Paris\, and has performed with the Highly Strung Players since 2023. \nPeter Rose is a poet\, novelist\, memoirist and critic. Attention\, Please! (2025) is his seventh book of poetry. Rose Boys\, a family memoir\, won the 2003 National Biography Award. He founded the Highly Strung Players in 1989 and revived it in 2017. Since then he has written many plays\, including the five-part The Ones. He was for many years Editor of Australian Book Review.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ticket Prices and Concessions” tab_id=”1452941768731-94b426f3-57530201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1c796-b36f”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]\nTicket Prices:\nFull: $40\nConcession: $25\nGroup 6+: $25\nDouble bill full price: $65\nDouble bill concession price: $45 \nConcessions:\nPensioners/Full-time students/MEAA members \nTicket sales are subject to a booking fee of $5.00 per ticket \nTicket fees are charged reluctantly. As an unfunded CBD located venue\, our expenses continue to rise. If fortyfivedownstairs is to survive\, we are obliged to increase our revenue without inflicting costs on already struggling artists. Without support\, we risk losing artists or having to close our doors. We do hope for your understanding![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/the-highly-strung-players-3/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs theatre\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne 3000\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:theatre ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ellie-Nielsen-Peter-Rose-and-Georgina-Banks-cropped.jpg GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs theatre 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261203 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261204 DTSTAMP:20261001T032314Z CREATED:20260915T005121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T032314Z UID:10004648-1796256000-1796342399@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:The Cooper Prize DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”ffds-theatre-company”]\n16th Street Foundation and Company 16 present\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1789433193571{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-title”]\nThe Cooper Prize\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1789433203885{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-dates”]Thursday 3 December 2026[/vc_column_text]book online [vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1517972522288{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” el_class=”ffds-theatre-details”][vc_column width=”2/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1517986542329{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f8f8f8 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517986153292{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]\nSHOW DETAILS:\n[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”40″ color=”custom” el_id=”ffds-theatre-divider”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1789433277240{padding-top: 5px !important;}”]Thursday 3 December 2026\n\nduration: TBC\ntimes: 7:30pm\nticket price: $35 – $45\nbookings: 03 9662 9966 \nwarnings: TBC[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1451285630039-f4b33ad9-e29065c5-b63365ad-01c60201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1d8c6-afbf” title=”Description”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]The 16th Street Foundation and Company 16 invite you to the announcement of The Cooper Prize 2026 winner\, a prestigious international $20\,000 playwriting award championing bold\, original theatrical voices. \nDuring the evening\, excerpts from the top four finalists’ new theatre works will be presented through professionally directed readings\, brought to life by an ensemble of Melbourne’s finest actors\, culminating in the live announcement of this year’s winner. \n“The Cooper Prize stands as a beacon for work that might otherwise never be heard – and in doing so\, reaffirms the power of the arts to awaken\, challenge\, and heal.” – Philanthropist\, Peter Cooper \n“While many international awards exist\, few actively encourage writers to sit inside the ambiguity of life – to explore its contradictions rather than resolve them. What distinguishes the Cooper Prize is its commitment to one of the most vital functions of art: to provoke thought\, to expand emotional understanding\, and to bridge the space between intellect and feeling.” – Associate Artistic Director of 16th Street\, Harry Haynes[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ticket Prices and Concessions” tab_id=”1452941768731-94b426f3-57530201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f1d8c6-afbf”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]\nTicket Prices:\n\nFull: $45\nConcession: $35 \nConcessions:\nPensioners/Full-time students/MEAA members \nTicket sales are subject to a booking fee of $5.00 per ticket \nTicket fees are charged reluctantly. As an unfunded CBD located venue\, our expenses continue to rise. If fortyfivedownstairs is to survive\, we are obliged to increase our revenue without inflicting costs on already struggling artists. Without support\, we risk losing artists or having to close our doors. We do hope for your understanding![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][vc_empty_space]book online [/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/the-cooper-prize/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs theatre\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne 3000\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:theatre ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/The-COOPER-PRIZE-2.png GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs theatre 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261216 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261220 DTSTAMP:20261015T053350Z CREATED:20261015T012652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T053350Z UID:10006387-1797379200-1797724799@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:Jerk Beach DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”ffds-theatre-company”]\nPummel Squad presents\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1792026125561{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-title”]\nJERK BEACH\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1792026159362{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-dates”]16 – 19 December 2026[/vc_column_text]book online [vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1517972522288{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” el_class=”ffds-theatre-details”][vc_column width=”2/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1517986542329{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f8f8f8 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517986153292{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]\nSHOW DETAILS:\n[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”40″ color=”custom” el_id=”ffds-theatre-divider”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1792026273243{padding-top: 5px !important;}”]Wednesday 16 – Saturday 19 December 2026\n\nduration: TBC no interval\ntimes: 7:30pm\nticket price: $30 – $45\nbookings: 03 9662 9966 \nwarnings: Jerk behaviour[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1451285630039-f4b33ad9-e29065c5-b63365ad-01c60201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f17012-498b” title=”Description”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]Nothing good ever came out of Jerk Beach. \nPummel Squad have been allowed back to fortyfivedownstairs for their fourth annual pantomime. After sold out seasons of Marginalia and How The King Learned To Live Forever\, they’re taking us on a trip to a town that time forgot. \nJerk Beach. It’s your forever-summer holiday spot gone sour – washed out\, corrupt\, and overrun by the jerks. Beefed these no-good youths spend their days catching waves\, beating up nerds and wondering how they’ll ever get out of this wretched place. But when a mysterious little green visitor from beyond the stars crash lands in this godforsaken place\, spit hits the fan faster than grandma on gravy night.  \nIt’s Gidget meets Jaws meets ET meets Pummel Squad\, and it’s playing for four nights only. So grab your boogie boards and get down here or you’ll regret it.  \nWhop bop b-luma b-lop bam boom! \n“Pummel Squad have gained a reputation for their wild\, physical\, silly\, cartoonish\, hilarious\, idiosyncratic\, poor theatre over the last few years… I finally understand all the superlatives that have been thrown their way.” Keith Gow on How The King Learned To Live Forever[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Cast and Creatives” tab_id=”1452941644640-19a0de81-e87a0201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f17012-498b”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]Created by Pummel Squad \nWriters: Ludomyr Kemp-Mykyta\, Harry McGee\, Cooper Donald McDonald \nDirector: Cooper Donald McDonald \nCast: AYA\, Miela Anich\, Keegan Bell\, Sam Buckley\, Alex Fimeri\, Molly Holohan\, Ludomyr Kemp-Mykyta\, Harry McGee\, Cooper Donald McDonald\, and more. \nLighting Designer: John Collopy \nStage Manager: Anneka van der Velde \nProducer & Dramaturg: Mark Pritchard \nAssistant Producer: Keegan Bell \nArtwork: Ludomyr Kemp-Mykyta and Cooper Donald McDonald[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ticket Prices and Concessions” tab_id=”1452941768731-94b426f3-57530201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f17012-498b”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]\nTicket Prices:\nFull: $45\nConcession: $35\nGroup 6+: $35\nMob tickets (discount for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island mob): $30 \nConcessions:\nPensioners/Full-time students/MEAA members \nTicket sales are subject to a booking fee of $5.00 per ticket \nTicket fees are charged reluctantly. As an unfunded CBD located venue\, our expenses continue to rise. If fortyfivedownstairs is to survive\, we are obliged to increase our revenue without inflicting costs on already struggling artists. Without support\, we risk losing artists or having to close our doors. We do hope for your understanding![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][vc_empty_space]book online [/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/jerk-beach/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs theatre\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne 3000\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:theatre ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Jerk-beach-2-square-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="fortyfivedownstairs":MAILTO:info@fortyfivedownstairs.com GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs theatre 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270213 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270315 DTSTAMP:20261016T023610Z CREATED:20251126T025724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261016T023610Z UID:10004578-1802476800-1805068799@fortyfivedownstairs.com SUMMARY:Bright Star DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”ffds-theatre-company”]\nfortyfivedownstairs presents\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1764047903414{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-title”]\nBright Star by Emmanuelle Mattana\, based on the screenplay by Jane Campion\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1788498327817{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” el_class=”ffds-theatre-dates”]13 February – 14 March 2027[/vc_column_text]book online [vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1517972522288{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” el_class=”ffds-theatre-details”][vc_column width=”2/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1517986542329{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f8f8f8 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1517986153292{padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]\nSHOW DETAILS:\n[/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” el_width=”40″ color=”custom” el_id=”ffds-theatre-divider”][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1792118177863{padding-top: 5px !important;}”]Saturday 13 February – Sunday 14 March 2027\n\npreview: Saturday 13\, Sunday 14\, Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 February\nopening night: Thursday 18 February\nduration: 90 minutes\ntimes:\nTuesday\, Thursday\, Friday\, Saturday 7:30pm\nWednesday 11am (schools matinees)\nWednesday 6:30pm\nSunday 5pm\nticket price: $55 – $79\nbookings: 03 9662 9966 \nwarnings: TBC[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section tab_id=”1451285630039-f4b33ad9-e29065c5-b63365ad-01c60201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f18ded-b409″ title=”Description”][vc_column_text]”I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days – three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain” \nfortyfivedownstairs is proud to present the world premiere stage adaptation of Jane Campion’s beloved film\, inspired by the profound romance between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne.  \nAdapted by Emmanuelle Mattana (Trophy Boys) and directed by Cassandra Fumi (The Crocodile and Rhinoceros)\, Bright Star melds Campion’s tender screenplay with Mattana’s theatrical reimagining\, Keats’ transcendent poetry\, and original compositions by Rachel Lewindon (The Inheritance) to create one of the year’s major theatrical events. \nSupported by City of Melbourne\, the Malcolm Robertson Foundation\, and the Robert Salzer Foundation. \n    [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Cast and Creatives” tab_id=”1452941644640-19a0de81-e87a0201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f18ded-b409″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]Writer: Emmanuelle Mattana \nDirector: Cassandra Fumi \nCast: To be announced! \nComposer: Rachel Lewindon \nCostume Designer: Dann Barber \nSet Designer: Savanna Wegman \nLighting Designer: Jenny Hector \nProduction Manager: Harry Dowling \nProducer: Cameron Lukey on behalf of fortyfivedownstairs[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Ticket Prices and Concessions” tab_id=”1452941768731-94b426f3-57530201-342dcb0a-2ec9a177-581a2513-a5c51f1f-8993a3c4-5ca5cb85-3d54189f-4d6f8ba6-b9f18ded-b409″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none”]\nTicket Prices:\nPreview: $55\nFull: $79\nConcession: $59\nGroup 6+: $59\nMob tickets: $55 \nConcessions:\nPensioners/Full-time students/MEAA members \nTicket sales are subject to a booking fee of $5.00 per ticket \nTicket fees are charged reluctantly. As an unfunded CBD located venue\, our expenses continue to rise. If fortyfivedownstairs is to survive\, we are obliged to increase our revenue without inflicting costs on already struggling artists. Without support\, we risk losing artists or having to close our doors. We do hope for your understanding![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][vc_empty_space]book online [/vc_column][/vc_row] URL:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/bright-star/ LOCATION:fortyfivedownstairs theatre\, 45 Flinders Lane\, Melbourne 3000\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia CATEGORIES:theatre ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Website-crop.png ORGANIZER;CN="fortyfivedownstairs":MAILTO:info@fortyfivedownstairs.com GEO:-37.8147392;144.9730607 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=fortyfivedownstairs theatre 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 Victoria 3000 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=45 Flinders Lane:geo:144.9730607,-37.8147392 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR