With a focus on music, art, spoken word poetry, and politics, the Downstairs Conspiracy monthly arts event is set to give local creatives new opportunities to showcase their talents.

Their mission is to form a hub for creatively minded people to meet and collaborate, through developing a space where artists and performers can gain exposure in their local community.

Jonathan Sri, organiser, says that they are also wanting to re-imagine the relationship between community and creative expression.

“We wanted to create an event where local, up-and-coming musicians and artists could reach appreciative audiences without having to jump through a lot of hoops.” Sri said.

The artists featured at the launch event on April 7 included spoken word poets Martin Ingle and Deborah Emmanuel, in addition to local Brisbane bands Rivermouth and Fat Picnic.

Art was also on display, with craft work pieces and photography throughout the venue.

“By including a diverse range of visual and performing artists, the event helps form and strengthen connections between different scenes and sub-cultures.” Sri said.

The free monthly event, supported by The Queensland Greens, also aims to inform people about political activism events. Jake Schoermer, Queensland Greens party spokesperson, says that Downstairs Conspiracy is a great addition to the local community. “A couple of the local Greens branches wanted to support the event, and have a presence, to show that we encourage positive community socials like this.” Schoermer said.

Sri has great expectations for future Downstairs Conspiracy events, given the success of the launch event. “I think it’s fair to describe the first Downstairs Conspiracy as super successful. We had a massive turnout and lots of positive feedback. It was great to see such a broad age range in the people that turned up.”

The next Downstairs Conspiracy event will be open from 6pm to 10pm on May 5 at 127 Stephens Road, South Brisbane.

Words by Rachel Westbury | Image by Kemii Maguire