Roving Conspiracy. House Conspiracy (for the busy, lazy, and the tired The House) began in 2016 when Roving Conspiracy was looking for a space for one of its once-a-month arts night. Roving Conspiracy was a unique regular event offering the Brisbane community live music, a pop-up gallery, and a meeting space for like-minded people. It happened the first Monday of every month and in different locations. South Brisbane community members often offered to host it in their homes.
Resisting gentrification. 42 Mollison Street was offered to Roving Conspiracy as an act of resistance against the gentrification of West End, Brisbane’s artistic hub. The house was an old Queenslander and the developers were pressuring the owner to be part of the verticalization of the suburb.
From a one-night stand to a life of commitment together. From a one-night stand, 42 Mollison Street became the committed partner in crime of Roving Conspiracy. In February 2017, they moved in together and took the name of House Conspiracy. Developed in consultation with local artists, producers, and creatives, House Conspiracy committed to uphold the values of Roving Conspiracy in a sedentary location.
The vows. House Conspiracy developed around the original ethos of promoting art to strengthen the community. We want to offer a space where creative minds and bodies can harness the power of art to build a better world. In particular, we commit to support early-career and marginalised artists, creating a safe space where artists can engage the community to discuss the injustices, the personal, the joyful, and the difficult.
Art as gift to the community. For us, art is a bonding experience and we want to gift it to the community. We reject the commodification of art and artists predicated on an economy of scarcity. Art is abundant and brings us together to celebrate the expressions of our differences. At House Conspiracy, we want to restore the vision of art as a gift and to create a strong and supportive community which shares this vision. WE WANT TO SAFEGUARD THE PRESENCE OF ARTS in our shared community in spite of the adversities presented.
Happiness as indicator of success. We measure our achievements in our persistent commitment – and the House has been source of happiness for community members, organisers, and over 200 artists and creatives. House Conspiracy continues to exist despite the economic pressures, the gentrification of West End, the changes in visions and board members, and a global pandemic.

The pivotal people continuing to make it possible.

House Conspiracy is made possible by the community that supports it. This include the over 200 artists who partnered with us and the members of the community who attend our events and donate their time and resources for the vision of the House. We also acknowledge the generosity of the owner of the house. Elizabeth Cowie is the current President and OC (Original Conspirator) and she has presided over all cycles. The first cycle was realised by the founding creative director Johnathan O’Brien, Board composed by Elizabeth Cowie, Lewis Holmes, Aron Oroszvari, Cinnamon Smith, and the many friends of the House who volunteered their time and energy, with special mention to Remy Rochrs who was part of the founding team, and Sarah Winter provides much creative direction along the way. The second cycle was produced by creative director Ellie-Lea Jansson, and Board members Joseph Burgess, Elizabeth Cowie, Craig Garrett, Aleksandar Gujas, Cinnamon Smith, and the many friends of the House who supported that cycle. The third cycle was produced by creative director Ellie-Lea Jansson and Board Members Ella Callander, Federica Caso, Elizabeth Cowie, Crisia Constantine, Joaquin Gonzales, Indy Medeiros, Jake Sun, and Bodi Zhu, and the many friends of the House who supported us. After the interruptions during to the pandemic lockdown, we are now re-emerging with our current Board Members Elizabeth Cowie, Crisia Constantine, Steve Mardon, Tarah Ferguson, Joseph Burgess, Isabella Catenaro and Jake Sun.