MCA Australia Hosts UNHOLY / DIVINE, Three-Night Queer Arts Series with Divine Playhouse

Key facts

• UNHOLY / DIVINE will take place on 8, 22, and 29 October at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney.
• The series features more than 50 independent queer artists across three nights.
• Divine Playhouse originally opened on 8 July at 420 Kent Street in Sydney's CBD but was evicted by 21 July after protests from conservative Christian groups.
• The venue's building is 158 years old, was deconsecrated in 1932, and previously housed the Genesian Theatre Company.
• Over 20,000 people signed a petition supporting Divine Playhouse, and a rally drew more than 2000 supporters to Hyde Park.
• Kat Dopper, founder of Divine Playhouse and Heaps Gay Events, criticized the closure, stating, 'If a landlord's personal beliefs can shut down an arts venue, no stage in this country is safe.'
• The MCA faced its own controversy in 2025 when it scrapped free general admission and when Angela Tiatia's Vaiola was projected onto its facade during Vivid Sydney.
• The UNHOLY / DIVINE events are ticketed, adults-only, and held indoors, unlike the outdoor Vaiola projection.