Adam James: "John Farnham released a record called ‘The Great Australian Songbook’ in the early 2000’s and I've enhanced the idea and coloured it in.  There are so many great First Nations singers and songwriters in Australia, this was my chance to take their voices to the nation."

From courtrooms to saloons, outback towns to the corridors of power, Queensland Theatre’s captivating 2025 program was enthusiastically welcomed with spontaneous, non-stop applause in celebration of reigniting our love for the power of theatre.

Spring is in the air and what does that mean for Magandjin / Meeanjin? It’s time for BrisFest! Running from 30 August to 21 September this year, we’re once again spoilt for choice with some epic offerings of theatre, circus, musicals, dance, cabaret, live music, installations and so much more. This is way too much goodness in the program for this year’s festival, so who better to turn to than the writers of NEHIB to let you know what you simply must see at BrisFest this year.

“Theatre can only survive if we provide opportunities for the marginalised to be seen and heard. It's essential to develop platforms where artists can push boundaries and build careers, and cater to audiences who normally don’t get to see themselves represented and feel included … If we continue to invest in these spaces of access and inclusion, we will cultivate more artists and develop broader audiences, proving that theatre is for all. “ Co-Director and Producer, Egan Sun-Bin.

Anywhere Festival is always a highlight of my personal year. The opportunity to visit unusual nooks and crannies across the city, and to see the imaginative ways in which local and visiting creatives transform each space.  Sadly, there is just the final weekend to go, so here are my top tips of what to see before the Festival ends this year.

The show is about a world we might live in and what a Disney can represent. It certainly plays with the figure of Walt, and is interested in his personality, history, and legacy… Disney’s a fascinating person; letting him loose on a future world post-cryonic unfreezing is going to dredge up all sorts of chaos from many places.

The Affordable Art Fair has arrived in Brisbane / Meanjin for the first time, showcasing artwork from over 40 galleries under one roof. Upon entering the fair the scale of the event is evident. I can confidently say that I have never seen so many different artists showcased commercially in one place.

This is an excellent show par none that can be enjoyed by both arts and footy lovers. By including the vessels of sportsmanship, authenticity, integrity and an outstanding dialogue, this quality production aptly conveys the community spirit, thrilling energy and intense physicality of this much loved and popular sport. The talented ensemble tackles the deep themes that writer Nathan Maynard covers in this play with humour, energy and a whole lot of heart particularly when the top dogs are pitted against the underdogs. 

A while back I wrote an op-ed on how to prepare a grant and work with a writer on crafting a decent application. Now let’s talk about getting the first successful grant and what to do and what NOT to do. It feels like winning the lotto 100%, but stuff has just gotten real and you’re probably totally wigging out now.

The QRAA exhibitions I have seen are a strong reminder that remote and regional communities regularly produce outstanding artists. The judges, Jonathan McBurnie and Fiona Foley have, through their selection, highlighted that Queensland as a whole is home to stunning contemporary art practice.