You will see and hear the word DARTS a lot over the next three years, as we work with our regional theatre makers to tackle each of the program’s foundational pillars. However, before we embark on this project, we will bring together the regional theatre sector to co-design the 3-year program. This will be the first time such a gathering of regional theatre practitioners, metropolitan collaborating companies and funders will come together at Bulmba-ja to decide the future of the regional theatre sector! In the first year of DARTS, we are concentrating on skills development including artist-in-residence programs and secondments and two inter-regional tours.
In 2025, we adjust our focus to the development of new works and creative developments and continue the inter-regional touring program– which leads to 2026 – our final year – in which the focus will be on productions and touring. We will also implement a First Nations Theatre camp delivered across the 3 years to build capacity in Far North Queensland and roll out an audience and fundraising development program to attract new investment into regional Queensland.
Linked to the funding for DARTS and the implementation of this exciting, albeit ambitious, three-year program is the provision for a Creative Producer who will oversee and implement the program’s delivery.
We are pleased to announce that Jess Lamb was appointed to the role towards the end of last year. Some of you may have met or know Jess already as the Creative Producer of Midpoint Theatre Company in her hometown of Rockhampton – where she will continue to be based.
Please join me in welcoming Jess, who has already hit the ground running and with the right blend of experience, education, and energy; we are excited about DARTS and what it will bring to regional Queensland – particularly in the lead-up to Brisbane’s Olympics and carving a special place in Queensland’s Cultural Olympiad.
What is a Cultural Olympiad?
It is a wide-ranging social and artistic program that the host city and state develop to connect sport and culture through various events in the lead-up to an Olympics event.
