In Australia’s fastest growing city, many of us are “feeling the squeeze” in some way.  For artists, inner-city suburbs which have been creative hot-spots are no longer affordable. Rent is sky-high, warehouses and share-houses must make way for construction and development, and our public transport… well let’s just say “it’s a hard job and they’re doing their best”.  Question is as Brisbane prepares itself for “Living in 2026”, how do we keep the city artist-friendly?

A collective of vibrant and enthusiastic young artists have come together to establish a very special arts project for Brisbane.  In a few weeks the beautiful Bell Brother’s Building in Fortitude Valley will again be open to the public – and proud home to an innovative new cultural centre – THE FORT arts hub.  Tenants and friends of THE FORT are busily preparing a record store, art galleries (first exhibition opens 21 March), artist studios, recording and rehearsal studios, clothing design, film, web and photography studios, permeculture gardens and lots more!

THE FORT is managed by artists, for artists, and aims to grow many artistic endeavours by drawing on collective resources, skills and networks.  Located at 57 Brunswick Street, THE FORT is only a few footsteps away from big cultural institutions like the Valley’s Entertainment Precinct and further down Brunswick Street to the Judith Wright Centre, 381 Brunswick, and the Powerhouse.   Co-founder and President of THE FORT arts hub Inc., Pete Gorrie says “There have been lots of challenges involved in getting this awesome project off the ground, but thanks to a lot of hard work, and the support of friends and members of the arts community who also realise the importance of this project, we are nearly ready to open.  We can’t wait to share our hub with Brisbane and, eventually, the rest of the world.”

On Friday 3 April THE FORT will hold its very first fundraising extravaganza (launching the various spaces), with a night of performance, live art, market stalls, organic bbq, giveaways and more.  THE FORT has tapped gallons of its finest resources to present Grass Roots Street Orchestra, Mr Laneous & The Family Yah, The Kelly Gang, Samedi Sound System, Rainman Live, Yuin Huzami, art works by some of Brisbane’s best visual artists, break dancers, multimedia displays and more fresh local talent to be announced.

Entry to this massive event is only $15 or $10 conc. (and 4ZZZ subs) or become an official “FRIEND of THE FORT” for just $25 ($20 conc.) to receive free entry and ongoing discounts, benefits and general kudos.

Media enquiries please contact Kelly Timmons Ph: 0405 105 299