Brisbane Powerhouse

What Brisbane Powerhouse does

Brisbane Powerhouse is a contemporary multi-arts, dining, and conference venue operating from a heritage 1920s power station on the Brisbane River in New Farm, Queensland. Owned by Brisbane City Council, it functions as the Council's primary centre for living art and ideas and operates as a private not-for-profit proprietary limited company. The venue comprises two main stage theatres (Powerhouse Theatre and Underground Theatre), the purpose-built Fairfax Studio gallery, three restaurants and bars (Bar Alto, Mary Mae's Bar + Kitchen, and the Vertigo rooftop vertical restaurant), the Powerhouse Store retail concept, and dedicated corporate and wedding function facilities. Programming spans festivals (Night Feast, Melt, Brisbane Comedy Festival, OHM, Ubuntu Social, PowerPlay), residencies (including the Rachel Burke 2026–2027 residency), an annual World Press Photo exhibition, and a year-round accessibility programme (flex).

The business operates across five principal revenue streams: ticket sales distributed primarily through Ticketek (which acts as the platform with a $7.20 per-purchase transaction fee, on tiered Premium, Adult, Concession, Student, and Group pricing); events and functions revenue from corporate conferences, weddings, and private hire via a dedicated events team and catering partner Wine & Dine'm Catering; on-site food, beverage, and retail operations; corporate sponsorships structured across Principal (American Express), Major, Technology (Optus), Media (Triple M Brisbane), and Support tiers; and tax-deductible philanthropic donations across Platinum Plus through Bronze tiers.

Reach is substantial: the company draws over 1.1 million visitors annually, hosts 1,250 to over 1,800 performances, events, and exhibitions per year, and supports artists reaching more than 750,000 people. Customer and audience segments span general arts attendees, festival-goers, corporate and wedding clients, artists and touring productions, and families and children. Distribution combines a box office (phone and walk-up), the Ticketek self-serve platform, direct venue hire for touring productions, and on-site F&B and retail. Partnerships with principal sponsor American Express, Brisbane Airport, Tourism & Events Queensland, the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, the Ubuntu Foundation, and the I&C George Family Foundation underwrite programming breadth and capital capacity.

Name

Brisbane Powerhouse

Legal name

Brisbane Powerhouse Pty Ltd

Website

https://brisbanepowerhouse.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Brisbane Powerhouse is a Brisbane City Council-owned contemporary arts, dining, and conference venue housed in a heritage 1920s power station in New Farm, hosting 1,800+ performances and events annually and attracting 1.1 million visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venue

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (722410)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Multipurpose Event Center Operations (Civic Centers, Community Event Complexes) (MPAGALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multi-Purpose Event Halls & Community Centers (THAHAAAI), Government & Municipal Event Venues (THAHAAAE), Venue & Banquet Hall Catering (THAFAIAC), Convention & Exhibition Center Operations (Expo Halls, Trade Show Venues) (MPAGALAD)

Keywords

• Performing arts venue
• Cultural event programming
• Festival management services
• Venue hire services
• Corporate event hosting

Headquarters

HQ city

New Farm

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue from ticket sales for performances, events, and shows through Ticketek platform. Transaction fees apply ($7.20 per ticket purchase). Premium, Adult, Concession, Student, and Group pricing tiers available.
2. Events & Functions: Revenue from corporate events, conferences, weddings, and private event hire. Dedicated event planners assigned to each booking. Catering provided through partnership with Wine & Dine'm Catering.
3. Venue Operations (Restaurants & Retail): On-site food and beverage operations through Bar Alto restaurant, Mary Mae's Bar + Kitchen, Vertigo rooftop dining, and Powerhouse Store retail. Powerhouse Store showcases handmade objects and utilitarian design pieces from considered brands.
4. Donations & Philanthropy: Tax-deductible donations accepted with Platinum Plus, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze supporter tiers. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donations fund inclusive, accessible, and inspiring cultural programming.
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Partnership programme with tiered sponsorship levels including Principal Partner (American Express), Major Partners, Technology Partner, Media Partners, and Support Partners. Benefits include brand alignment with festivals and events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Brisbane Powerhouse operates a multi-arts, dining and conference venue housed in a heritage 1920s power station in New Farm, Brisbane. It provides performance venues, festival programming, on-site restaurants, retail, and corporate/private event services. The venue produces and hosts over 1,800 performances, events and exhibitions annually, attracting more than 1 million visitors per year across music, theatre, comedy, dance, film, visual arts and digital arts programming.

Product overview

Brisbane Powerhouse is a cultural venue and events platform offering a diverse portfolio of festivals, performances, dining experiences, and community programs. The core offering centers on the historic 1920s power station venue featuring multiple theatres (Powerhouse Theatre, Underground Theatre) and gallery spaces (Fairfax Studio). Major sub-brands include Night Feast (culinary festival), Melt (queer arts festival), Brisbane Comedy Festival, and OHM (experimental music festival). On-site dining includes Vertigo (vertical restaurant), Bar Alto (Italian), and Mary Mae's (contemporary European). Additional offerings encompass Powerhouse Store (retail), PowerPlay (family programming), Ubuntu Social (community events), flex (accessibility/Auslan programming), and artist residency programs. The venue also provides comprehensive Events & Functions services for corporate and private events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Night Feast: Annual culinary and cultural festival featuring food, immersive art, and live music.
• Melt
• Brisbane Comedy Festival
• POWERPLAY
• Powerhouse Store
• Vertigo
• Bar Alto
• Mary Mae's Bar + Kitchen
• Fairfax Studio
• Ubuntu Social
• OHM Festival

Products and services

• Night Feast
• Melt Festival
• Brisbane Comedy Festival Annual comedy festival featuring Australian and international comedians across multiple Brisbane venues, hosting 300+ events. Targets comedy fans and casual entertainment seekers.
• OHM Festival Festival of Other Music featuring boundary-pushing music performances and experimental sound art. Targets experimental music audiences and arts enthusiasts.
• Brisbane Writers Festival Literary festival bringing writers and readers together for panels, readings, and discussions. Targets literary enthusiasts, book clubs, and general audiences.
• Bar Alto Italian restaurant at Brisbane Powerhouse serving Italian cuisine to dine-in customers, recognized with a Brisbane Good Food Guide Chefs Hat and State Winner 'Best Italian Restaurant' 2009. Targets restaurant diners and event attendees.
• Mary Mae's Bar + Kitchen All-day dining restaurant with uninterrupted river views, sun-drenched terraces, and a menu featuring re-imagined European classics. Targets restaurant diners, event attendees, and casual visitors.
• Vertigo Australia's first vertical restaurant offering an exclusive dining experience four stories above ground overhanging Brisbane Powerhouse's industrial façade, featuring harnesses and sky-high dining with views of the Brisbane skyline. Targets premium dining customers and special occasion seekers.
• Powerhouse Store Maker-led retail store showcasing handmade objects and utilitarian design pieces from considered brands around the world. Targets design-conscious shoppers, gift buyers, and venue visitors.
• Powerhouse Theatre Iconic main stage theatre with 1,320m² floor size available for hire for large scale conferences, gala dinners, product launches, and film shoots. Targets corporate event organisers, production companies, and promoters.
• Underground Theatre Smaller performance venue available for hire for intimate theatrical productions and events. Targets independent theatre companies, smaller production teams, and artists seeking intimate performance spaces.
• Fairfax Studio Purpose-built, year-round exhibition space for contemporary art featuring installation, sound, video, and visual art. Targets artists, curators, and contemporary art exhibitors.
• Events & Functions Comprehensive corporate and private event services including conferences, weddings, gala dinners, product launches, and celebrations with dedicated event planners and catering by Wine & Dine'm Catering. Targets corporate clients, wedding couples, and private event organisers.
• Rachel Burke Artist Residency

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million visitors annually
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, principal, major, platinum plus, platinum, technology, media and support.

• Brisbane City CouncilcoreOthersBrisbane City Council owns Brisbane Powerhouse. The venue is described as Brisbane City Council's centre for living art, ideas and experiences helping to deliver a vibrant and creative city.
• American ExpressprincipalGTM or Marketing PartnerPrincipal Partner of Brisbane Powerhouse. Presenting partner for Night Feast festival. American Express Card Members receive elevated experiences at Night Feast and Melt Festival events.
• Brisbane AirportmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor Partner supporting events including World Press Photo Exhibition. Over a decade of partnership bringing exhibition to Brisbane audiences.
• Tourism & Events QueenslandmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor Partner providing support for tourism and major events at Brisbane Powerhouse.
• Ubuntu Foundation (Carolyn Vincent)platinum plusGTM or Marketing PartnerCarolyn Vincent's Ubuntu Foundation is Patron for Community and principal supporter of Ubuntu Social annual event.
• Tim Fairfax Family Foundationplatinum plusGTM or Marketing PartnerTim & Gina Fairfax are Principal supporters of the Fairfax Studio and major philanthropists supporting Brisbane Powerhouse.
• Cass & Ian GeorgeplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerI&C George Family Foundation provides principal support for Rachel Burke artist residency 2026-2027.
• SapporomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSapporo beer partnership celebrating 150 years of brewing excellence, featured at Night Feast festival.
• BMDmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting partner for PowerPlay children's programme featuring workshops and cultural activities.
• Consolidated Properties GroupmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for Night Feast 2026, presenting sponsor of Better Off Red long lunch event.
• OptustechnologyTechnology or IntegrationTechnology Partner providing technology infrastructure support for the venue.
• Ovolo HotelsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel partner offering 15% discount to Brisbane Powerhouse fans using promo code 'POWER'. Located in Fortitude Valley, close to Brisbane Powerhouse.
• Wine & Dine'm CateringcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBrisbane's leading caterers for weddings, corporate and private events for over 25 years. Expert chefs and service team ensure quality catering for all venue functions.
• Herbert Smith Freehills KramermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor Partner providing legal and professional services support.
• TicketekcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary ticketing provider and platform. Tickets sold as agent for Brisbane Powerhouse. Also provides Ticketek Marketplace for authorized ticket resale.
• Triple M BrisbanemediaGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia Partner providing radio broadcast coverage and promotion.
• Urban UtilitiessupportGTM or Marketing PartnerSupport Partner providing utilities services.
• BEDAmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor Partner of Brisbane Powerhouse (Brisbane Economic Development Agency).
• World Press Photo FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual partnership presenting World Press Photo Exhibition showcasing photojournalism from around the world. Free admission exhibition displayed on Turbine Platform and Fairfax Studio.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ICC Sydney: Major convention and exhibition venue offering conferences, banquets, and events with multiple theatre and function spaces. Comparable as a multi-purpose event venue operator with significant corporate conference business, though more focused on MICE than performing arts.
• The Tivoli Brisbane: Heritage-listed Brisbane live entertainment theatre hosting concerts, comedy, and corporate events. Local Brisbane competitor for live performance ticket revenue and corporate hire, with similar heritage-venue positioning.
• Sydney Opera House: Government-owned performing arts and cultural venue operating multiple performance spaces, dining venues, and tours. Same business model: multi-theatre performing arts precinct with F&B, tours, and corporate hire, anchored by major tourism audiences.
• Arts Centre Melbourne: Australia's largest multi-arts venue complex, operating multiple theatres, galleries, and hosting festivals, performances, exhibitions, dining and corporate events. Directly comparable as a government-supported multi-vertical arts and event precinct.
• Carriageworks: Sydney-based multi-arts and cultural centre housed in a heritage industrial building, presenting performing arts, visual arts, and festivals. Comparable adaptive-reuse heritage venue operating contemporary arts programming, dining, and ticketed events.
• Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Large Melbourne-based convention, exhibition and banqueting venue. Comparable in operating model for conferences, gala dinners, and corporate events, though more MICE-focused and less arts-anchored than Brisbane Powerhouse.
• Adelaide Festival Centre: South Australian government-owned performing arts complex with multiple theatres, festivals (Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe), dining and corporate event hire. Closely comparable multi-purpose arts venue model and public ownership structure.

Emerging players

• Sydney Theatre Company: Major Australian theatre company presenting a subscription season of productions across multiple venues. Adjacent performing-arts programming comparable in target audience and ticket-economics, though focuses on producing rather than venue operation.
• Sydney Festival: Major annual multi-arts festival running across Sydney venues. Overlapping festival programming comparable to Brisbane Powerhouse's Night Feast, Melt, and Brisbane Comedy Festival, though as a festival producer rather than venue operator.

Broad incumbents

• Perth Theatre Trust Venues: Government trust operating multiple performing arts venues across Western Australia including His Majesty's Theatre. Comparable as state-level portfolio operator of multiple performing arts venues with mixed ticketing, dining, and event hire.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BrisPowerhouse
• Facebookfacebook.com/brisbanepowerhouse
• Instagraminstagram.com/Bris_Powerhouse
• Xx.com/Bris_Powerhouse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Brisbane Powerhouse