The Queensland Government has developed Coming to a Place Near You touring strategy for performing arts in Queensland 2009-2014 to broaden and diversify performing arts experiences for all Queenslanders across the state.

Touring fund - A new touring fund to bring fresh product and opportunities for Queensland's performing arts, an initiative of the Coming to a Place Near You touring strategy.

Background of Coming to a Place Near You Touring Strategy

Arts Queensland consulted with the arts industry extensively to gather ideas and advice to develop Coming to a place near you (PDF 1MB), a strategy for performing arts touring.  The industry's generosity and enthusiasm in participating in the touring conversation resulted in some very interesting ideas and solutions to current touring challenges.

The strategy vision is that Queenslanders are able to access a range of high quality touring arts experiences; and that Queenslanders are able to inform the selection of these products and where they are presented.

During 2008, Arts Queensland conducted research and consultation with the performing arts sector to identify key themes and issues for the strategy.  These are highlighted in the Touring strategy information paper (PDF 350KB) and the Touring Strategy Consultation Report (PDF 235KB).

The success of the Touring Strategy will be determined by measurements of increased demand by Queenslanders for touring product (both as audiences and participants) and the creation of leading practice in Queensland for performing arts touring.

The strategy has 3 pathways to success, each with 2 initiatives.  These initiatives will be established and rolled out during 2009 and 2010.   We invite you to read the strategy and join us in building Queensland’s success in performing arts touring.

One of the first initiatives from the touring strategy is Regional Stages, a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Australian government that will provide joint funding of $1.5 million over three years for two initiatives: Regional Stages and Regional Writing.

The Australian government and Queensland Government are working together to deliver quality arts programs that will empower local Queensland communities to create, present and tour new artistic work.

Regional Stages, with funding of $900,000 over three years, will create a stronger local arts industry by placing an arts producer in three regions to develop partnerships between the community, local artists and national and international practitioners. Regional Writing, with funding of $600,000 over three years, will engage with regional Queensland communities to develop quality writing.

8 May 2009 - Joint funding to enrich Qld regional arts

Arts Queensland acknowledges the important contributions of the many individuals and organisations who participated in the Touring Strategy development through conversations, written responses, critical friendship and the Touring Strategy Advisory Committee.

29 May: Queensland Touring Think Tank paper (PDF 70KB) released.

Arts Queensland and NARPACA partnered to present a Queensland Touring Think Tank on 6 April 2009 at the Brisbane Powerhouse. The Think Tank was attended by producers, presenters, arts educators, community volunteers, touring managers, bureaucrats, academics and arts workers who contributed a range of ideas in response to the themes of the Touring Strategy. These ideas were recorded and collated and can be read in the following paper by the Think Tank's Critical Friend, John Baylis.

Please send any further comments to contact details below:

Email: touring.strategy@arts.qld.gov.au
Fax: Susan Richer, Arts Queensland, (07) 3224 4077
Post: Susan Richer, Arts Queensland, GPO Box 1436, Brisbane, Q, 4001