Smooth operator: The Judy gets a well-deserved facelift
The Judith Wright Arts Centre is a vibrant hub of creativity in Fortitude Valley – and it has just had a $10 million facelift.
It’s lovingly known as The Judy – and it has just had a $10 million upgrade.
The State Government upgrade of the critical infrastructure of the Judith Wright Arts Centre supports the arts facility’s growth ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The centre bears the name of one of our literary greats – the poet Judith Wright – and it’s a unique facility that is an arts hub in a vibrant part of the city.
As part of the revitalisation, 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 throughout the centre.
Located on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, The Judy is home to some of our most creative leading 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.
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State Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek says the project delivers 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,” Langbroek says.
“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.”
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I have been a regular visitor to The Judy since it opened and it is always buzzing, particularly in the rehearsal room where Circa fine tunes its productions before they go out into the wider world.
Watching Circa’s artistic director Yaron Lifschitz and his performers create their world-renowned productions here has always been a treat. Lifschitz says the company is excited to be part of the centre’s new era after the recent upgrade.
“To create here in Brisbane, take that work to the world and return to it, is a privilege,” he says.
“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.
arts.qld.gov.au/about-us/our-spaces/judith-wright-arts-centre
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