Mary Lou Jelbart

Mary Lou Jelbart is a former program-maker, theatre and arts reviewer for ABC Radio National. She is the founder and artistic director of fortyfivedownstairs, a not-for-profit gallery and theatre in Melbourne’s CBD, which presents the work of independent visual artists, theatre companies and musicians.

Mary Lou was a member of the former St Kilda Council for nine years, and is the founder of the St Kilda Festival and St Kilda Film Festival.

She has been a board member of Artbank, Craft Victoria, and Theatre Works. She has been actively involved in conservation issues, and was a member of the National Trust Council, and a board member of Heritage Victoria.