Ipswich creators had their imaginations sparked at this year’s Creators of Ipswich Summit, which included an inspiring address by the keynote speaker, ARIA-award winning Torres Strait Islander artist, Christine Anu.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich City Council brought together visual artists, musicians, writers and other creative industry professionals to prepare for the coming opportunities and highlight the potential the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring to the arts.
“Council is delivering on its promise of supporting the Ipswich creative community by hosting this free one-day Summit where local artists can come together, network and gain new skills that will help them succeed in the creative economy,” Mayor Harding said.
“About 100 people attended a variety of workshops on topics such as the potential of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, podcasting, how to write a winning pitch, photography and finding opportunities – all based around the theme of Framing our City’s Artistic Legacy.
“With the 2032 Games fast approaching, it’s important for the Ipswich creative community to be ready now to harness opportunities over the next nine years and beyond.
“The Creators of Ipswich Summit is a deliverable of council’s Creative Industries Action Plan, and the high calibre and internationally-recognised speakers we are able to attract further strengthens the value of this program.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said the Creators of Ipswich Summit was a direct result of engagement with local creators.
“Ipswich has a thriving and diverse arts scene, and council is proud to be able to help upskill and support our local talent through the Creators of Ipswich Summit and our other initiatives, such as Articulate, that deliver council’s commitment through the Creative Industries Action Plan.” Cr Fechner said.
“This year’s summit was held for the first time in partnership with SPARK Ipswich, in the middle of NAIDOC Week, and it was an honour to have Christine Anu as keynote speaker.
“Christine Anu is an internationally renowned Australian artist of Torres Strait Islander heritage, who has been nominated for 17 ARIA Awards in her 27-year music career.
“Her artistry spans across all forms of media including music, theatre, dance, film, television, radio and children’s entertainment.”
Christine Anu said she was proud to be asked to speak at the Creators of Ipswich Summit and meet local artists.
“I was honoured to be asked to speak at this year’s Creators of Ipswich Summit about my career, my culture and my experience at the Sydney Olympic Games closing ceremony,” Ms Anu said.
“I hope my shared experience can inspire other artists to take advantage of the coming opportunities the Games in 2032 will bring.
“It was also very special to be able to meet other creative First Nations peoples to discuss the arts during NAIDOC Week.”
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