Queensland Government investment spotlights critical role of small to medium arts organisations

In a landmark investment through the Queensland Government’s Organisations Fund 2026-29, almost $39.2 million will support 53 diverse arts and cultural companies and festivals.

The investment spotlights the critical role of the State’s small to medium arts organisations who deliver engaging arts experiences in communities from Cairns to Winton and to the Gold Coast.

A diverse mix of organisations working across artforms including visual arts, dance, theatre, music and literature have secured at least $100,000 per year over four years, supporting high-quality initiatives and generating employment for artists and arts workers.

Of the 53 successful recipients, 18 organisations are based in regional areas, including Townsville, Bundaberg, Gympie and Winton, reflecting the breadth of Queensland’s vibrant arts and cultural sector. 

There are 13 new entrants to the Organisations Fund 2026-2029, including Blue Roo Theatre Company, Bridgeworx, Crossroads Arts, Gympie Music Muster, TheatreiNQ, and Shock Therapy Arts.

Additionally, almost $2 million in funding will support regional festivals such as the Woodford Folk Festival, North Australian Festival of Arts, and Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera.

The State Government is delivering for Queensland with its landmark arts investment supporting the launch of Queensland’s Time to Shine, a 10-year strategy to grow the State’s arts, cultural and creative industries.

QLD Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Organisations Fund supports a thriving and sustainable sector, while strengthening Queensland’s economy and driving cultural tourism.

Minister Langbroek noted “Investing in these organisations will deliver significant social and economic benefits for our state and will ensure the sector is well positioned to leverage the significant opportunities of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.” 

Crossroad Arts Chief Executive Autumn Skuthorpe said the Mackay company would receive $180,000 per year to support its delivery of artistic development and collaboration programs for people with disabilities.  

Skuthorpe enthused “we are so excited to see what our Inclusive Arts Advisory Group and artists will create over the next four years.

“Through this funding we know that our artists will lead change for arts and disability broadly across the sector and we look forward to bold and authentic storytelling that represents all Queenslanders.”

Funding recipient Shock Therapy Arts Artistic Director Hayden Jones said the investment would help ensure ongoing, stable employment for Queensland based artists and arts workers.

“Arts Queensland’s Organisations Fund will significantly grow our capacity for creating and delivering Queensland made, socially impactful live performances across our great State,” Jones added.

TheatreiNQ Artistic Director Terri Brabon OAM said securing the funding was incredible recognition of all the hardwork the Townsville team has put in for so many years to produce high-quality theatre productions and shared “TheatreiNQ stands on the shoulders of giants here in North Queensland and we are really looking forward to the next four years.”

For further information about the Organisations Fund 2026-29 and its recipients, visit arts.qld.gov.au  

Image top. TheatreiNQ team behind this year's Bridge Project production - THE ASSIGNMENT. Credit: Chrissy Maguire; image below. Credit: Crossroad Arts