Darebin Arts Speakeasy

Original. Unexpected. Always entertaining. 

 

Welcome to Season 2024

Since 2013, Darebin City Council’s Speakeasy program has invested in contemporary dance, circus, theatre and multi-disciplinary work that speaks to issues that matter to the community, celebrate cultural diversity and illuminate the times we are living in.  

Each year the program offers audiences a curated, dynamic and diverse mix of shows from Melbourne's best performing artists. Additionally, the program supports artists behind the scenes to practice their craft and create new work in a community of practice.

From March to May 2024 witness awe-inspiring acrobatics, a raucous kids variety show and a divisive dinner party at Darebin Arts Centre.

Our 2024 Season includes:

Future Proof by Gravity Dolls | 14 - 16 March, Darebin Arts Centre

Polite Mammals by The Wholesome Hour | 9 April, Darebin Arts Centre

Peacemongers by The People | 24 April - 5 May, Darebin Arts Centre

Image above: Peacemongers by The People (2024); image by Pia Johnson

About Speakeasy

Darebin Arts Speakeasy is an award-winning program that partners with artists and organisations to generate thrilling artistic presentations for audiences and engage our diverse community. It aims to provide the highest quality experiences to audiences at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre and the Darebin Arts Centre.  

A woman with dark hair pulled back has her right arm raised in the air to hold onto a dangling silk. Her legs are crouched with her feet perched onto the dangling silk. She is lit from behind with an orange glow.

With a strong focus on equity and inclusivity, Darebin Arts Speakeasy plays an integral role in Australia’s artistic cultural ecosystem, working with independent artists and small to medium companies to develop and present new Australian works that interrogate our society, celebrate our diversity and champion the world we want to live in. Works are chosen through open application process, led by a selection panel of local independent artists and Darebin Arts programming staff. 

The program incorporates a suite of access initiatives for artists and audiences to ensure arts participation for everyone. We work with artists to provide access services that suit the needs of each production, such as Auslan interpreted sessions, audio described sessions, social scripts and relaxed performances. Our aim is to ensure people of all abilities are represented on stage and off, are empowered in decision making processes and supported to engage with creative culture in meaningful ways.  

Find out more about our Development Program.

Image above: Arterial by Na Djinang Circus (2023); image by Darren Gill

Our 2023 Season included:
Program front cover for Slip by Rebecca Jensen       Program cover for A Certain Mumble by Amelia O'Leary

Slip A Certain Mumble 
by Rebecca Jensen by Amelia Jean O'Leary

Program cover for Body of Work + QWERTY by Atlanta Eke Program cover for Arterial by Na Djinang Circus

Body of Work + QWERTY     Arterial
by Atlanta Eke by Na Djinang Circus

Program cover for Crocodiles by Vidya Rajan Program cover for Animal Farm by Bloomshed Program cover for The Fence by Fleur Murphy

Crocodiles Animal Farm The Fence
by Vidyan Rajan by Bloomshed by Fleur Murphy


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We love hearing from artists!

Do you have a creative idea you want to pitch to us? Are you struggling to find and secure support for your project? Would you like to know more about the opportunities we offer artists?

Send an email to one of our helpful staff members and introduce yourself:

Beau McCafferty
Head of Programming
beau.mccafferty@darebin.vic.gov.au

Mark Pritchard
Senior Arts Programmer
mark.pritchard@darebin.vic.gov.au

April Erskine
Marketing Supervisor
april.erskine@darebin.vic.gov.au