Circus and ballet among Queensland arts projects to secure funding

The Queensland Government is delivering more arts experiences – from circus and musicals to opera and ballet – in cities, regions and remote communities across Queensland with an investment of $1.8 million.

Through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program Round 7, $1.54 million will support 28 arts projects, with nine funding recipients also securing investment to create new music within their projects.

The 2025-26 Arts Budget lays the foundations for a fresh start with $75.8 million allocated to back the screen industry, boost jobs in the creative sector and deliver arts experiences to all Queenslanders. 

QLD Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said these latest funding outcomes delivered on the state’s 10-year arts and culture strategy Queensland’s Time to Shine and its vision for a vibrant statewide arts scene. 

Minister Langbroek noted “with circus, ballet, opera and festivals on offer, the projects receiving funding are as diverse and unique as the artists and creatives who have created them.

“From Goondiwindi to the Cassowary Coast and across to Mount Isa, we’re committed to making arts and cultural experiences accessible to everyone.”

ARC Circus Ltd has been allocated $69,085 to tour Into Space, an ensemble acrobatic circus show designed for families, across Toowoomba, Logan and Redlands.

The Ballet Theatre of Queensland will receive $160,000 over two years to develop and present its 2027 premiere of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

Ballet Theatre of Queensland Music and Executive Director Dr Lucas D. Lynch said a significant portion of the funding will support Queensland live musicians, including chamber group Cadenza Chamber Players.

Dr Lucas shared “the wonderful privilege to have live music is essential not only for the industry but also the training and musical development of young emerging artists.

“We are also fortunate to have received an extra $10,000 which will contribute to the orchestration and editing of our brand-new score by Australian composers.”  

The Sunshine Coast’s Catbird Theatre Company will receive $15,599 to tour two children’s theatre productions to communities from Noosa and Coolum Beach to Townsville, Cairns and Cooktown, and HIT Productions’ tour of Waltzing the Wilarra will be supported with $77,075 to engage communities in Surfers Paradise, Ipswich, Cleveland, Proserpine, Townsville, Cloncurry and Mount Isa. 

HIT Productions producer Christine Harris said the funding would allow the company to stage shows in seven remote and rural communities.

“This support enables HIT Productions to continue its excellent history of touring to remote Queensland, ensuring high-quality professional theatre is delivered across the state,” Harris said. 

“It provides employment opportunities for many and builds sustainable careers in the creative industries.” 

For more information and to view the list of Queensland Arts Showcase Program Fund Round 7 visit: https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding/aq-queensland-arts-showcase-program. 

For more information on the Touring Queensland Fund Round 6 recipients visit www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding/aq-touring-queensland-fund.

Image. Credit: Ballet Theatre Queensland