Queensland’s arts scene is by no means confined to the state’s South-East, which is why the State Government has announced a new approach to delivering services for regional arts.

Six Queensland arts organisations will drive a refreshed Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) in 2026 and 2027 by providing services and expert advice.

The providers are Artisan (visual arts, craft and design), AusDance (dance), Flying Arts Alliance (visual arts), JUTE (theatre) and QMusic (music).

Also, Topology (a respected multi-platform music and arts organisation) will provide multi-arts support in disciplines such as writing, festivals and community engagement, and will provide coordination across the network between artists and organisations.

Chris Kohn, executive artistic director of Cairn-based JUTE says the appointment formalises the company’s long-standing work supporting regional theatre makers.

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“For more than three decades, JUTE has worked alongside artists in regional communities – developing new work, nurturing careers and building sustainable creative pathways,” says Kohn.

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“This appointment allows us to provide structured, goal-focussed support to theatre practitioners across Queensland – whether they’re developing new productions, navigating funding pathways, building audiences or strengthening their creative businesses. It ensures regional theatre makers have direct access to specialist expertise grounded in the realities of regional practice.”

the program helps ensure the festivals, performances and cultural events in regional towns are developed and delivered by local artists and arts workers

Through RASN, JUTE will offer free, artform-specific advice and referral services to support artists and arts workers in the theatre sector.

Meanwhile, Topology will lead the delivery and statewide management of the refreshed RASN for Arts Queensland in 2026 and 2027, supporting artists, arts workers and communities across regional and remote Queensland.

Previously delivered through geographically based service areas, the refreshed network now connects artists with artform specialists across the state, ensuring creatives can access the expertise most relevant to their practice regardless of where they live. Artists can connect with advisors and peers face-to-face or via a digital service mentoring platform provided by Brancher.

RASN supports regional Queensland’s talent to build sustainable careers and create work in their communities. By strengthening local creative industries, the program helps ensure the festivals, performances and cultural events in regional towns are developed and delivered by local artists and arts workers.

Creative Director of Topology, Christa Powell, welcomed the opportunity to provide statewide services management for RASN.

“Topology has spent the past 25 years strengthening networks, supporting artists, communities and organisations and has amplified regional voices across Queensland,” Powell says. “We look forward to working in partnership with Arts Queensland and the other providers to ensure artists in all regions are connected, supported and able to thrive.”

Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek says the innovative approach to RASN responded to sector feedback, recognising the unique needs of the state’s creative workforce.

“These expert providers will support artists and creatives with artform-based skills development and advice for careers and arts businesses,” says Langbroek. “The Regional Arts Services Network will also help Queenslander’s access arts experiences and creative employment in their own communities, no matter where they live.”

The Regional Arts Services Network is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

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