The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring that early years, primary and secondary school students in regional and remote Queensland communities have access to engaging, high-quality and curriculum-connected arts and cultural experiences.
A growing body of international and Australian research demonstrates the multiple benefits of an arts-rich education to support the skills needed for 21st century life, such as collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, communication, agility and empathy.
Arts in education has positive effects across non-arts learning areas: improving social capabilities, engagement with school and enhancing children’s sense of belonging to cultures and communities.
Regional and Remote Schools Touring Service
Developed in consultation with Queensland teachers, the Regional and Remote Schools Touring Service is delivered by Shake & Stir Theatre Company and supported by Arts Queensland.
The service offers curriculum-aligned live performances, workshops, residencies and tailored engagement models for Early Years through to Secondary across a range of artforms such as theatre, music, dance, circus and writing. Programs including wellbeing, pastoral and behavioural support are also available.
QLD Artsbook
Complementing the Regional and Remote Schools Touring Service, the QLD Artsbook is an accessible, user-friendly website connecting Queensland educators with high-quality local and touring artists, arts organisations and experiences.
QLD Artsbook offers opportunities for students to engage with curriculum-aligned arts experiences that inspire creativity, cultural understanding and lifelong learning, regardless of their location. The website supports artists and arts organisations by providing a platform to showcase their offerings and expand their reach across Queensland.
Further information
Schools touring services are available throughout the school year. Products are available for delivery in classrooms or online, and to all age groups, including Early Childhood Centres.
Both services include curriculum-aligned arts experiences delivering a range of artforms and meeting a range of curriculum units, both inside the Arts subject area and in other subjects such as English, Health and Physical Education, and Science.
Regional and Remote Schools Touring Service
Teachers and educators can visit the Shake & Stir website to book or make contact to discuss tailored options for their school or community
Artists can submit products year-round with quality assurance delivered twice a year by an external panel prior to listing on the website.
Teachers and educators can book products at any time by contacting artists directly.
Fast facts
Since its inception, the Regional and Remote Schools Touring Service has delivered:
- engagements to more than 250 Queensland schools
- access to live arts experiences for more than 75,000 Queensland students
- to remote locations such as the Torres Strait, Camooweal, Bedourie, Karumba, Mornington Island, Birdsville, Thargomindah and more
QLD Artsbook has more than 75 active listings for arts experiences to book through to the end of 2026.
“Students really enjoyed the event, and the masterclass was very helpful to the classes who participated as it linked closely to their drama curriculum.”
Regional and Remote performance feedback
Image: Shake & Stir actors Brendan Kater, Isabella Berlese and Gabriel Wighton at a school tour. Credit: Katie Gilbert.