Creators' Summit hailed as a success
04 March 2025
The 2025 Ipswich Creators’ Summit is being hailed as a success after emerging and established local artists got an opportunity to network and learn from some industry heavyweights.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the event, attended by 200 people, achieved its purpose through providing a platform for artists from Ipswich and beyond to connect.
“The summit was a great mix of information, entertainment and networking, so I am keen to see the ideas that have been sparked and new connections formed in the near future,” Mayor Harding said.
“An event of this quality, hosted in our city’s impressive set-up of venues including the Ipswich Civic Centre, the Ipswich Art Gallery, Studio 188 and Fire Station 101 goes to show how vibrant Ipswich’s cultural heart is.
“With a $3.8 million investment recently secured from the Federal Government to fund detailed upgrade designs for some of these venues, it’s exciting to imagine what future iterations of this event may look like.
“Ipswich is a city of opportunity, and we are proud to create opportunities like the Creators’ Summit for the city’s emerging and established artists.”
Ipswich City Council Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the summit reflected the diverse Ipswich arts scene.
“Matt Okine’s keynote speech was hilarious as well as informative – the audience got an insight into how he navigated his diverse career, moving between radio, television and kids’ performances,” Cr Augustine said.
“There was strong First Nations representation at the summit with a Welcome to Country performed by Henry Thompson Junior and a discussion hosted by Rhianna Patrick along with local author Dr Melanie Saward and media personality Brooke Blurton on their new co-written book Good kind of Trouble.
“At Studio 188, there was a workshop focussed on how emerging musicians can put their own gigs on followed by a performance by indie pop rock artist Ixaras. Creative Australia held a panel discussion on how young artists can get access to philanthropic support. All in all, it was a wonderful event.”