The Queensland Government has announced Creative Together 2020–2030: A 10-Year Roadmap for Arts, Culture and Creativity in Queensland, a visionary plan designed to position Queensland as a global leader in arts and culture. The roadmap, which reflects extensive consultations with communities and industry stakeholders, aims to harness the transformative power of creativity to connect communities, drive economic growth, and showcase Queensland’s unique cultural identity on the world stage.
A Vision for Transformation
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier and Minister for Trade, highlighted the roadmap’s significance, stating:
“Creative Together presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to harness the power of our stories, leveraging Queensland’s distinct arts and culture and world-class artistic capability to connect communities, improve happiness and health, and stimulate creative thinking to fuel our future.”
The roadmap is structured to deliver meaningful outcomes across five key priorities:
1. Embrace Brisbane 2032 Across Queensland: Leveraging the global platform of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to showcase Queensland’s cultural and artistic talent.
2. Elevate First Nations Arts: Recognising and promoting the unique contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, ensuring their voices and stories are at the heart of Queensland’s arts and culture landscape.
3. Activate Queensland’s Places and Spaces: Expanding the use of cultural infrastructure and exploring creative opportunities in both traditional and non-traditional venues.
4. Drive Social Change and Strengthen Communities: Employing arts and culture to foster inclusivity, strengthen communities, and address social challenges.
5. Share Our Stories and Celebrate Our Storytellers: Supporting Queensland’s creators to tell the state’s diverse stories and amplify them on national and international platforms.
Action Plan: Sustain 2020–2022
The roadmap’s first stage, Sustain 2020–2022, focused on recovery and resilience following the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It included targeted measures such as:
• Support for the Creative Sector: Initiatives like the Arts and Cultural Recovery Package provided $22.5 million in funding to stabilise and rebuild Queensland’s arts industry.
• First Nations Focus: Establishing a First Nations Arts and Cultures Panel and expanding investments in Indigenous Art Centres.
• Innovative Programming: Enhancing digital content capabilities, supporting live performances in non-traditional spaces, and encouraging audience engagement through new technologies.
• Community-Led Development: Partnering with local councils and organisations to create localised arts solutions tailored to community needs.
The Next Stages: Grow and Thrive
Following Sustain 2020–2022, the roadmap will transition to the next two action plans:
1. Grow 2022–2026: This stage will focus on amplifying the arts’ impact on Queensland’s economy and social fabric. It includes strengthening First Nations arts, supporting international collaborations, and cultivating leadership in the creative sector.
2. Thrive 2026–2030: The final stage aims to establish Queensland as a global centre for arts and culture, leveraging cultural tourism opportunities and embedding creativity into the state’s economic and social strategies.
Why Sustainability Matters
A cornerstone of Creative Together is sustainability, aligning with global trends and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games’ commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Through responsible procurement practices and sustainable initiatives, the Queensland Government aims to set a new benchmark for arts and cultural events worldwide.
Get Involved
The Queensland Government encourages artists, cultural organisations, and communities to engage with Creative Together 2020–2030. The roadmap represents a collective effort to ensure that Queensland’s arts, culture, and creativity continue to thrive and make a lasting impact.
For further details on Creative Together and upcoming initiatives, visit the Arts Queensland website at www.arts.qld.gov.au.