Stage Queensland's CONNECT Conference + Showcase is taking place on Gubbi Gubbi Country. 

We pay our respects to elders, past and present, and acknowledge the profound contribution of First Nations artists and communities to stages across Queensland and beyond. 

Dangerous Goods by Polytoxic. Photo by Jade Ellis.

Stage Queensland's CONNECT Conference is back with an arts market twist. This year's event will be held 3 - 5 June at The Events Centre, Caloundra, and we're being bolder than ever in our goal to connect Queensland's performing arts presenters, producers and artists through showcases and more.

CONNECT Conference + Showcase 2024 will feature keynotes, panels, workshops and Q&As with industry experts; networking between presenters, producers and artists; showcases of exciting new work to tour; company updates from local artists; and a slew of performances from great artists to get us all talking.

If you are an artist or producer and wish to connect with other producers and Queensland presenters, there's opportunities to pitch your work in the official Showcase program, or meet delegates as part of the Locals Expo or register as a delegate to experience the full event. Showcase EOIs closed on 10 May.

If you program shows for your community and are keen to engage with other presenters to build touring networks and experience a range of work offered by a selection of Queensland's leading artists and producers - this is the event for you. Join us and get a head start on your programming!

There'll be plenty of networking and learning opportunities plus the launch of Queensland's new Touring and Engagement Services, an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Let's make history together!

Program Highlights

• After a gap of two years, CONNECT sees the return of Queensland's Touring Showcase featuring pitches, excerpts and company updates by Queensland artists and companies.
• Place Making & Community by David Engwicht. David is a passionate place maker best known as the creator of the Walking School Bus. Nothing gives David greater joy than working with communities to breathe new life into dead spaces.
• What does community engagement have to do with programming a venue or festival? by Lindy Hume AM PhD. Landscape-Oriented creative practice is a fresh way of thinking, a creative tool for investigating and exploring the ‘bigger picture’ by amplifying the social, environmental and cultural impact of any public-facing activity.
• Meet the Majors - a panel session with arts leaders from Queensland's major producing companies sharing how they engage with communities, artists and audiences across our great state.
• Meet Queensland's Presenters - get ready for some speed dating with some of Queensland's leading presenting organisations. Hear about their approach to programming, artist-led initiatives and opportunities to connect.
• Sector policy, funding and regulatory updates from key industry bodies.

Registrations closed at 5pm on Friday 24th May

Artists and producers - please contact Stage Queensland if you'd like to reserve a table at the Locals Expo to be held on Tuesday 4th. 

CONNECT is a COVID-Safe event. Click here for our COVID-Safe Measures.

Links to other important event information are below:

Home | Showcases | Sponsors | Venue | Accommodation | Contact | Terms & Conditions

With thanks to our event partners and sponsors