Frankston Arts Centre
A Leading Arts, Events and Cultural Hub in South-East Melbourne
Frankston Arts Centre (FAC) is one of Australia’s largest and most significant outer metropolitan arts venues, located at 27-37 Davey Street, Frankston, Victoria, on Bunurong Country. Opened in 1995 and operated as a business unit of Frankston City Council, FAC incorporates an 800-seat main theatre, a 200-sear black box theatre (Cube 37), five exhibition galleries, a function centre and a creative arts hub. It serves a rapidly growing and diverse community across south-east Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and Western Port. FAC is a vibrant cultural destination where creativity, performance, and community connection thrive.
Welcoming over 190,000+ visitors annually, hosting 650+ events each year, and maintaining a 4.6-star public rating, Frankston Arts Centre is recognised as both a premier performance venue and a deeply embedded community asset.
Frankston Arts Centre Details
- Official name: Frankston Arts Centre
- Type: Performing arts theatre, gallery complex and function venue
- Opened: 1995. Designed by Australian architect Daryl Jackson
- Heritage lineage: Traces to the Frankston Mechanics' Institue (formed 1873)
- Operated by: Frankston City Council (FAC is a business unit of Council)
- Governance: Frankston Arts Centre Advisory Board, in consultation with Council
- Address: 27-37 Davey Street, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia
- Traditional Custodians: Bunarong People
- Phone: (03) 9784 1060
- Email: artscentre@frankston.vic.gov.au
- ABN: 49 454 768 065
- Website:artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
- Opening hours:
| Monday |
Closed
|
| Tuesday |
10am - 5pm
|
| Wednesday |
10am - 5pm
|
| Thursday |
10am - 5pm
|
| Friday |
10am - 5pm
|
| Saturday |
10am - 2pm
|
| Sunday |
Closed
|
A Centre for Arts, Culture and Community
Vision: Frankston is a vibrant community remowned for its arts and culture
Mission: Through leadership, excellence and sustainable practices, we seek to provide opportunities and avenues for art and culture to flourish.
FAC's philosophy is simple but powerful:
The building is the anchor. The community is the centre.
Its impact extends beyond performances — embedding arts into everyday life through schools, health services, public spaces, and community programs.
A Cultural Legacy Spanning over 140 Years
Frankston Arts Centre's history reflects a long-standing commitment to arts and education in the region.
While the curent building opened in 1995, its lineage of civic cultural life stretches back more than 140 years:
- 1873 - Formation of the Frankston Mechanics Institute
- 1880 - Opening of the institute as a place for "recreation and instruction"
- Early 1990's - Theatre, lectures, music, and Frankston's first film screenings
- Post-1945 - Rapid population growth drives need for civic and cultural investment
- Late 20th Century - Development of the Frankston Cultural Centre
- 1995 - Frankston Arts Centre Opens, designed by architect Daryl Jackson
- Today - Frankston Arts Centre stands as a major regional arts hub
This evolution reflects Frankston's transformation from a small rural township into a thriving cultural city.
Learn more about the history of the Frankston Arts Centre.
Title: 143 Construction of Frankston Cultural Centre (renamed the Frankston Arts Centre and Library)
Photographer: Glenn Harper | Acknowledgement: Donated by Glenn Harper
Description: The new Frankston Arts Centre from the corner of Young and Davies Streets.
Date: Between 1st March 1994 and 2nd May 1995 | Source: Frankston City Libraries
Venue Facilities and Performance Spaces
Frankston Arts Centre offers world-class, flexible facilities:
- Main Theatre (800 seats) – Featuring advanced production capabilities and a 23m fly tower
- Cube 37 (200 seats) – A dynamic black box theatre for contemporary and community performance
- Five gallery spaces – Presenting visual arts exhibitions
- Function and Conference spaces – Supporting business and events
- Lounge and balcony bar – Enhancing the visotor experience
A Premier Performing Arts Destination
Frankston Arts Centre hosts 271 theatre performances and 49 exhibitions annually and is a preferred venue for major national and international companies, including:
- Sydney Dance Company
- Opera Australia
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Circus Oz
The Centre regularly attracts leading artists such as Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins, Amy Shark, The Ten Tenors, and Kate Ceberano.
Its program spans theatre, dance, music, comedy, and family entertainment—delivering something for every audience.
Browse the full program via What's On in Frankston
Strong Audience Engagement and Growth
Frankston Arts Centre continues to grow its reach and reputation:
- Approximately 190,000 annual attendances
- Approximately 145,000 tickets sold annually
- 9.5/10 customer satisfaction score
- 96.2% of patrons rate service as good or excellent
- 1,033,200+ annual website visits
- 32,000+ social media followers and growing
Notably, 46% of ticket buyers are new audiences, demonstrating FAC’s ongoing ability to attract and engage new visitors.
Community Engagement and Social Impact
For over 30 years, FAC has prioritised meaningful community engagement across a region of significant socioeconomic diversity.
Arts Access and Inclusion
FAC’s award-winning Arts Access Program removes barriers to participation through:
- Subsidised ticketing
- Sensory-friendly performances
- Auslan-interpreted events
This program received a PAC Australia IMPACT Award (2024).
Related accessability and wellbeing programs include:
Community Arts and Participation
FAC delivers:
- 820+ participants in weekly arts programs
- Programs in schools, healthcare (including art therapy), and community settings
- Engagement with First Nations artists, young people, and older adults
The Centre also serves as a long-term home for community groups, with 77 active community hirers and 100+ days of activation annually.
Festivals, Creative Programs and Artist Support
Frankston Arts Centre leads major cultural initiatives including:
Since 2020, FAC has invested over $500,000 into artist commissions and grants, supporting creative innovation and local talent.
Venue Hire, Conferences and Events
Frankston Arts Centre is a leading venue for events in south-east Melbourne, hosting:
- 650+ events annually
- 200 function centre events
- Corporate and government clients, including leading institutions and organisations
FAC offers:
- Flexible spaces including theatre, galleries, and function rooms
- Full technical production support
- In-house catering led by an executive chef
- A proven track record of repeat clients (57% return bookings)
Browse our full list of venues for hire
Management and Governance
Frankston Arts Centre is a business unit of Frankston City Council. In consultation wth Council, the Frankston Arts Advisory Board develops the strategic plan for performing, visual and public arts in Frankston. The centre building was designed by leading Autralian architect Darly Jackson, whose practice is known for major civic and cultural buildings across Australia.
Arts and Culture Strategic Plan
Plan your Visit
Why Visit Frankston Arts Centre?
Visitors choose Frankston Arts Centre for its:
-
High-quality performances and exhibitions
-
Accessible and welcoming environment
-
Strong community focus
-
Professional event and venue hire services
-
Convenient location with easy parking
-
Integration into Frankston’s broader arts and cultural scene
Programs and Community
Connect With Us
Frankston Arts Centre | 27-37 Davey Street, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia
Tel: (03) 9784 1060 | Email: artscentre@frankston.vic.gov.au | ABN: 49 454 768 065
Acknowledgement of Country. We acknowledge the Bunurong people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which Frankston Arts Centre stands. We pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Frankston Arts Centre?
Frankston Arts Centre (FAC) is a major performing arts and cultural venue in south-east Melbourne offering theatre, exhibitions, events, and community programs. It opened in 1995 and is operated by Frankston City Council.
Where is Frankston Arts Centre located?
FACIt is located at 27-37 Davey Street, Frankston VIC 3199,in Frankston, Victoria, serving Melbourne’s south-east, the Mornington Peninsula, and surrounding regions.
When did Frankston Arts Centre open?
The current building opened in 1995 and was designed by Australia architect Darl Jackson. Its cultural lineage traces back to the Frankston Mechanics’ Institute, formed in 1873.
What facilities does Frankston Arts Centre have?
FAC includes an 800-seat theatre, 200-seat black box theatre (Cube 37), five gallery spaces, and function and /event areas, all fully accessible with onsite parking.
What events are held at Frankston Arts Centre?
The venue hosts theatre, music, dance, comedy, festivals, exhibitions, school performances, and business events – 650+ events each year.
Can I hire a space at Frankston Arts Centre?
Yes, flexible venue hire options are available for conferences, corporate events, exhibitions, and community functions with full technical support and in-house catering.
Is Frankston Arts Centre accessible?
Yes, the Centre is fully accessible and offers inclusive programming including sensory-friendly and Auslan-interpreted performances.
How many people visit Frankston Arts Centre each year?
FAC attracts over 195,000 visitors annually, reflecting its strong regional and cultural importance.