Bold new works in development at Judith Wright Centre

Six innovative theatre, dance, cabaret and circus works will come to life at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts in Brisbane, thanks to a new strand of funding through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP).

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch today announced the six projects are the first to be creatively developed through the new QASP Arts Ignite – Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts program.

“This program was initiated in response to feedback from the arts sector, which wanted support for creative development by local companies,” Ms Enoch said.

“Itinvests in Queensland artists to take projects from creative development to production by providing funding and venue support.

“New performing arts works will be created from the ground up to be presented and toured throughout Queensland and beyond for a total value of $224,288 in funding and $162,000 of in-kind venue support,” Minister Enoch said.

Ms Enoch said the scope of the works crossed multiple genres of live performance.

“The Good Room will work with young collaborators aged 8 to 14 to create the theatre work I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You which explores intergenerational dialogue, while the Babushka Collective will fine-tune Babushka in Happily Ever After, a cabaret work designed to tour.

“Le Coup, a new vaudeville inspired circus work from Circus Company 2, will engage audiences across Queensland as a touring production,” the Minister said.

“Barbara and Barry’s Radio Romance Play is the natural successor to the popular touring production Barbara and Barry’s Sweet, Sour and Saucy, which was presented throughout Queensland and Western Australia to great acclaim.

“Leading Brisbane-based artists will join forces to explore the process of ageing in If only I could which will combine contemporary and ballroom dance to be performed by emerging, established and elderly dancers.

“Gold Coast group The Farm will develop Depthless, a live music and dance-theatre work exploring gender roles,” she said.

The Minister said each of the teams would work with a creative producer to guide the project over a multi-week development period and connect the new work to potential markets.

The Queensland Arts Showcase Program delivers arts and cultural experiences to communities across the state, creates opportunities for the Queensland arts sector and generates positive social and economic outcomes.

Media Contact: 0437 859 987

QASP – Arts Ignite – Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts funding 2018:

• Alicia Cush, Babushka in Happily Ever After (funding $39,135; in-kind support $24,800; total $63,935)
• Circus Company 2, Le Coup (funding $38,000; in-kind support $26,860; total $64,860)
• Antony Dyer, Barbara & Barry’s Radio Romance Play (funding $29,500; in-kind support $33,060; total $62,560)
• The Good Room, I’ve Been Meaning To Ask You (funding $38,042; in-kind support $24,800; total $62,842).
• Angela Chapman, If only I could (funding $40,000; in-kind support $25,620; total $65,620)
• The Farm, Depthless (funding $39,611; in-kind support $26,860; total $66,471)

More details on funding: https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding