Make a booking, good looking
Brunswick is home to one of Naarm/Melbourne’s largest creative communities and we are excited to be at the centre. We recognise that artists need dedicated time and space to create their work, and that Brunswick Mechanics Institute has long been an engine room for artists and audiences to meet the stories of our times.
Next Wave’s studio and theatre can be hired by artists, creative practitioners and cultural organisations for in-kind or affordable community rates.
The venue can also be used for commercial hires. When you book venue hire with Next Wave, you help us continue to support early career artists through our mentorship programs and deliver artist-led workshops, events and activities.
If you have any queries, contact us through the platform or at mechanics@nextwave.org.au
About our rates
The prices shown on the booking platform are our reduced rate and include GST.
Long-hire discounts are available for bookings of over a week. To make these bookings, you’ll need to apply to become a regular (verified) hirer.
We have some capacity to support hires from larger organisations and corporate/commericial hires, which incur an additional fee (full rate).
Full-rate hires not only help us continue to support early career creative practitioners, they also helps us continue to provide venue hire at a reduced rate (and sometimes in-kind) for those who need it.
Read our Venue Hire Policy [PDF].
Or download our Venue Hire Policy as an accessible .docx
Read our 2025/26 venue hire rate card.
Or download our 2025/26 Rate Card as an accessible .docx
Accessibility at Brunswick Mechanics Institute
Brunswick Mechanics Institute is a step-free venue (except for the mezzanine) with accessible bathrooms.
Check out the following resources for more information:
Video tour of Brunswick Mechanics Institute
Download the Brunswick Mechanics Institute visual story.docx
Next Wave operates Brunswick Mechanics Institute with the support of Merri-bek City Council.
The entrance to Next Wave’s home, Brunswick Mechanics Institute. Photo by Tallulah.