A $10 million upgrade to Queensland’s Judith Wright Arts Centre is set to enhance critical arts infrastructure and help the sector grow ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As part of the revitalisation, the centre’s rehearsal and studio spaces have been expanded from three to eight studios, offices modernised, and flexible breakout and collaboration areas added, as well as upgraded security and disability access improvements.
Located in Fortitude Valley, the Judith Wright Arts Centre is home to leading creative organisations including The Little Red Company, Circa, Musica Viva, Institute of Modern Art, Australasian Dance Collective, BlakDance and the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts.
Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek (pictured at the Centre) said the project delivered on Queensland’s Time to Shine, the 10-year arts and cultural strategy.
“For a quarter of a century, the Judith Wright Arts Centre has been a hub for visionary Queensland artists and arts companies to create and present new work,” Minister Langbroek said.
“This modernised facility provides creative spaces that meet the evolving needs of the sector – providing greater flexibility, improved amenities, and expanded capacity in response to sector feedback.
“The upgrades will support and inspire our creative workforce and grow our reputation as a creative powerhouse.
“Our revitalisation shows how we’re delivering for Queensland’s arts sector and growing our cultural scene in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Long-term tenant of The Judith Wright Centre, Circa CEO and Artistic Director, Yaron Lifschitz said the company was excited to be part of the centre’s new era.
“To create here in Brisbane, take that work to the world and return to it, is a privilege,” Mr Lifschitz said.
“The refurbished spaces are made for the way we work, with the ceiling heights and rigging that circus demands and that few buildings can offer.
“The upgrades position the centre to drive Queensland-grown creativity for years to come and we are excited to be a part of its future growth.”
Rehearsal, studio and meeting spaces are now open for bookings.
