The Motley Bauhaus Is Carlton's New Multidisciplinary Arts Hub with a Theatre, Gallery and Two Bars

Melbourne's arts scene might have copped some big blows over the last two years, but one new inner-city venue is determined to make sure that 2022 doesn't follow in the same footsteps. Set to open its doors on Carlton's Elgin Street from Thursday, January 20 with an evening of artistic and theatrical treats is The Motley Bauhaus, an independent multidisciplinary arts venue with capacity for 350 punters.

The original Motley Bauhaus launched in Fitzroy North in 2018 as a space dedicated to promoting skills-based art practices. Now, it's making the move to a bigger home in Carlton, complete with an expanded suite of creative spaces and facilities.

While the crowning jewel is a 75-seat black box theatre, the site is also home to a spacious gallery, full-sized recording studio, dedicated cabaret stage, plus a dark room and four working artists' studios. There's also two separate bar areas and a courtyard for those pre- and post-show hangs, as well as a workshop program featuring regular classes guided by local independent artists.

The new site has been in the works for a while, although its launch faced extensive delays due to Melbourne's ongoing lockdowns and restrictions. It's now opening this month with the hope of giving the city's arts scene some much-needed revitalisation.

"It's been a tough, tough time for artists, for the industry as a whole," explained founder Jason Cavanagh. "This is a massive investment in our arts community at a time when it is desperately needed. I think art thrives in adversity and I'm really keen to explore and support that."

The new venue is kicking things off with an evening of live performances, exhibitions and more for its Thursday, January 20 launch, with free tickets available online. The opening celebrations then continue throughout the month, with the stage firing up for the likes of a brand-new stand-up show from comedian Emily Tresidder, a one-act song cycle diving into the ups and downs of singledom, and Eleven O'Clock Theatre's debut musical theatre production The Breaths in Between.

The original Scotchmer Street site will remain operating as a collection of artist studios while The Motley Bauhaus' full public event program relocates to the new venue.

Find The Motley Bauhaus' new site at 118 Elgin Street, Carlton, from Thursday, January 20.