The Living Room Theatre is proud to announce its collaboration with Brcar Morony Architecture on an exciting new project—The venue, a dynamic arts venue set to transform a former women’s garment factory in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West. This bold new space promises to become a cultural hub, fostering creativity, inclusivity, and connection within the community.

Founded in 2015 by Natalie Brcar and Michael Morony, Brcar Morony Architecture has quickly become known for its down-to-earth, design-driven approach. With a focus on pragmatism, functionality, and aesthetics, the practice excels in creating spaces that resonate with both beauty and purpose. Their latest partnership with The Living Room Theatre for their home is a natural extension of their commitment to designing spaces that inspire and serve both the arts and the community.

A Vision for Creative Exchange

The venue will be more than just a performance space. It’s designed to be a flexible, inclusive space that supports a wide range of artistic endeavours, from rehearsals to presentations, and even collaborative workshops and residencies. As the former women’s garment factory is transformed into a thriving multi-arts hub, it will provide affordable, adaptable spaces for artists to work without the constraints of traditional venues. For Natalie, this is an opportunity to create a space where the act of design itself becomes part of the artistic dialogue.

“We’re excited to be involved in this project, The LRT venue embodies many of the values we hold dear—design that is not only functional but deeply connected to the needs of the community and the artists who will inhabit the space. It’s about fostering creativity, providing opportunities, and enriching the local cultural landscape.” says Natalie.

Design with Purpose
The design of The venue is rooted in the idea of versatility. With flexible spaces for a variety of art forms—whether it be theatre, dance, or music—the venue will feature adaptable spaces that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any project, while also elevating the guest experience with its foyer and theatre bar. This adaptability is at the heart of Brcar Morony’s design philosophy, which emphasises both conceptual elegance and practical functionality.

The venue’s transformation will include a Tarkett floor for contemporary dance, and a performance space that can be easily reconfigured to suit different creative processes. Thoughtfully chosen materials will enhance the atmosphere, ensuring a balance of warmth, texture, and durability, while maintaining a deep respect for the building’s historical character.

A Community-Centric Hub

In addition to serving as a creative playground for artists, The venue is designed to bring the community into the fold. Through initiatives like the “Open Doors” program, the venue will offer the public unique opportunities to engage with artists and experience the creative process firsthand. Artist talks, workshops, and informal previews will allow the community to connect with the work being created, providing a bridge between artists and audiences.

Furthermore, The venue’s social space—including a bar and event area—will serve as a meeting point for both artists and the local community. By creating an environment that encourages dialogue and collaboration, The venue will be a catalyst for cultural exchange and social connection.

Supporting the Local Economy

The venue is not only about fostering creativity; it’s also about creating economic opportunities. By bringing together artists, performers, and audiences in a shared space, the venue will support the local economy, particularly in the areas of hospitality, the arts, and event production. Its versatility and range of activities will attract a broad audience, boosting the night-time economy and creating new employment opportunities across various sectors.

The project’s dedication to supporting the local community and economy aligns with Brcar Morony’s broader philosophy of creating architecture that enhances the lives of those who use it. “Design is about more than just making beautiful spaces,” Natalie explains. “It’s about creating environments that work for people, enrich their experiences, and contribute to the broader social and economic fabric of a community.”

A Legacy of Healing and Social Change

Rooted in the core values of The Living Room Theatre, The venue is also set to become a space for exploring important social issues. Focused on trauma, violence, and the dignity of women, the venue will provide a safe and supportive environment for healing and artistic expression. This commitment to addressing societal issues through the arts aligns perfectly with the mission of Brcar Morony Architecture, whose projects often explore themes of identity, human experience, and community connection.

“We believe that architecture can be a tool for social change,” Natalie says. “This partnership with LRT represents an opportunity to create a space that not only supports the arts but also helps heal and uplift people. It’s about contributing to a better, more compassionate world through design.”

Looking to the Future

With this project, Brcar Morony Architecture and The Living Room Theatre are forging a new model for creative spaces—one that prioritises collaboration, flexibility, and inclusivity. By creating a venue that supports both artistic innovation and community engagement, The venue is set to become a landmark in Sydney’s cultural landscape, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of artists, performers, and creatives.

As The venue begins to take shape, we look forward to seeing how this new space will spark new ideas, foster collaboration, and create connections within the arts and the broader community.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting journey, as we work together to make The venue a reality and watch it thrive.

---

Article by Priyanka Smithfield