Darebin Arts Speakeasy

Original. Unexpected. Always entertaining. 

Applications are now open for our 2025 Developments Program

Learn More

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. 

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. 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. 

Our 2024 presentations included:

Animal Antics Kids Workshop with The Wholesome Hour

A theatre workshop to create wild characters. Suitable for kids aged 5-12.

Apocrypha by Oozing Future

Alt-circus for the unholy

Axon by Speak Percussion's Bespoke Artists

A weekend of sonic experiments developed over 2024 by Speak Percussion’s Bespoke Artists

Future Proof by Gravity Dolls

Fearless physical theatre

Peacemongers by The People

Dinner, theatre and disagreement

Polite Mammals by The Wholesome Hour

A totally wild variety show the whole family can enjoy

View our previous season presentations in the Archives

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest information about upcoming Speakeasy shows or opportunities to be a part of the program.

Page Image: garçon by wāni toaishara; image by JM Tubera.

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

Stella Charls
Senior Arts Programmer
stella.charls@darebin.vic.gov.au

Rebeca Sacchero
Arts Engagement Producer
rebeca.sacchero@darebin.vic.gov.au

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