The Creators' Summit is back, bigger and better!

The Creators' Summit Ipswich is returning in 2025, offering unparalleled opportunities for musicians, visual artists, performers, writers and event organisers to connect, learn and explore.

The theme for 2025 is 'Dream, Develop, Deliver', formulated to help turn inspiration into reality. Experience inspiring keynote discussions, engaging breakout sessions and witness live creations in action.

Don't miss your chance to attend this incredible event. Bookings are essential. Tickets are available to purchase by clicking on the button below.

Your ticket includes:

  • full access to session talks, workshops and screenings
  • exclusive first look at new funding programs
  • priority access to Ipswich Art Gallery new exhibition opening
  • full catering for lunch and breaks
  • entry into the lucky door prize

The Creators' Summit is open to everyone, not just Ipswich residents.

Creators' Summit Ipswich

Creators' Summit Ipswich Program

What's on and where

Civic Centre

  • Keynote – Matt Okine

    10.30 am - 11.30 am

    With a career spanning television acting, stand-up comedy, and radio hosting on Triple J, Matt has now ventured into the world of children's entertainment. His journey is a testament to his versatility and passion for the arts. Matt will share his experiences, challenges, and successes, offering a unique perspective on the entertainment industry. As a strong advocate for the development of the arts in SEQ, Matt's insights are sure to motivate and encourage aspiring creators.

  • Community Arts Organisation Expo

    11.30 am - 4.30 pm

    Join us at the Creators Summit Ipswich Expo! Explore booths from local creative arts groups, dance groups, musical organisation, and creative collectives as they share insights about their organisations. It's a great chance to connect with the vibrant arts community, learn about their work, and find inspiration. Don't miss this unique event!

  • In Conversation – A Good Kind of Trouble

    12.00 pm - 12.45 pm

    Join Brooke Blurton and Dr. Melanie Saward as they unveil their middle-grade novel, A Good Kind of Trouble. Hosted by Rhianna Patrick, this event celebrates storytelling, culture, and creativity. Discover the magic behind their book and their passion for First Nations women's stories. Don't miss this inspiring session!

  • Have Your Say: Ipswich's Arts and Culture Vision

    12.30 pm - 1.30 pm, 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm &

    3.30 pm - 4.30 pm

    Ipswich City Council is developing a vision for arts and culture, recognising their vital role in fostering community wellbeing, creativity, cultural engagement, and economic growth. Ensuring that those who engage with arts and culture are included in creating this vision is imperative. This is your chance to contribute to the strategic direction and provide your input on what you want to see for the future.

  • Lincoln Austin's Residency Reflections

    1:00pm - 1:45pm

    Enjoy a conversation with Lincoln about their residency experiences, at the British School in Rome. During this residency, Lincoln created a captivating short film inspired by their research into Etruscan culture. Lincoln will share their journey, creative process, and the impact of the residency on their work. This session promises to be a unique opportunity to connect with an artist who brings people together through the power of conversation and art.

  • Artists in Action

    2.15 pm - 3.00 pm

    Artists in Action: Proven strategies for unlocking philanthropic support. Hosted by Matthew Higgins from Creative Australia, three exceptional Queensland artists will share real stories and actionable advice on how they successfully leveraged the Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) to turn creative ambition into reality. This session is ideal for artists, producers and collectives looking to boost their knowledge, skills and confidence.

  • Expanding Horizons: The Impact of Regional Theatre

    3.15 pm - 4.00 pm

    Join us for an engaging panel conversation on regional theatre touring, where industry experts will share insights on bringing captivating performances to local communities. Discover the benefits for creatives in taking their shows on tour, including expanding their audience reach, fostering local talent, and creating culturally relevant productions that resonate with diverse communities.

Studio 188

  • The Art of the Tag: Street Art Talk with Tervo

    12.45 pm - 1.15 pm

    Tervo, a renowned street artist, Street Art Consultant and the mastermind behind Brisbane's first legal street art walls. Tervo often hears the statement, "I like the colourful stuff, I just hate the tags." In this session, he will highlight the importance of all forms of street art, including tags, and their role in creating vibrant cities.

  • How to hold your own gigs as a DIY artist...

    2.00 pm - 3.00 pm

    How to hold your own gigs as a DIY artist and start a record label while you're at it!

    Join Ixara, 17 yr old touring artist and owner of record label, Antidismal, + industry experts Jaymee (The Buttery Music School) and Aaron Shanahan (Imagine Music) for a practical workshop on taking control of your music career through DIY gig promotion. From skateparks to bush doofs, traditional venues to shipping containers, learn the ins & outs of creating your own performance opportunities

  • Showcase: Ixaras

    3.00 pm - 3.30 pm

    Ixaras is an Indie Pop Rock artist & songwriter raised in Meanjin Brisbane who champions her self expression through the art of music and live gigs. Alongside her melodic ear worms and thought provoking lyricism about the complexities of growing up and young love, Ixara epitomises the meaning of youth, inclusivity and accessibility today with her all-ages, DIY event management and record label ‘Anti-Dismal’ - throwing gigs in backyards, skateparks, community halls and house.

Ipswich Central Library

  • Event Planning – I Have an Idea, Now What?

    12.00 pm - 12.45 pm

    Join members of Ipswich City Council's event team for an engaging workshop on delivering successful events. Learn the critical components, from refining your creative idea to managing costs. This workshop will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your event is both culturally enriching and creatively executed. Perfect for anyone looking to bring their artistic vision to life in Ipswich!

  • Navigating the New RADF: Tips for Success

    1.00 pm - 2.00 pm

    Join Dr Louise Mayhew to hear about Ipswich's Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program. Learn about the new funding streams and simplified application process designed to support local artists. This session is a must-attend for artists seeking to enhance their funding success and make the most of the RADF opportunities. Don't miss this chance to boost your artistic journey with expert guidance and practical tips.

  • Nature's Inspiration: Ipswich's Natural Beauty

    2.15 pm - 3.00 pm

    Explore the natural beauty of Ipswich and discover significant species and traditional sites that can serve as inspiration points for creatives. Learn about the conservation areas purchased through the Enviroplan levy and explore opportunities for artists to utilise spaces like Hardings Paddock and the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate. This session will inspire you to connect with nature and create art that reflects our unique environment.

  • Application to Exhibition: Our RADF Experience

    3.15 pm - 4.00 pm

    Local visual artists Cynthia Copley and Amy Stapleton, recipients of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in 2024, will share their experiences and lessons learned from applying for and receiving funding for their exhibition "Conversations in Open Spaces." This workshop provides a rare opportunity to learn tips and tricks from these talented artists, helping others enhance their own artistic practice and navigate the RADF application process.

Fire Station 101

  • Working on the Edge of Obsolescence

    12.00 pm - 3.30 pm

    Our digital information is fragile. Christopher Bentley’s installation explores obsolete formats and the rapid obsolescence of our data. Get hands-on with video game systems like the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Mega Drive, and experience the challenges of creating and preserving digital art. Enjoy interactive artworks, alongside prints and videos documenting the creative process.

  • Content Room

    12.00 pm - 3.30 pm

    Hop in to give the green screens a go and learn how you can book this space for your own creative projects. This is the perfect opportunity to explore new tools and get inspired.

  • Transforming Spaces: Story of Creative Hearts Co.

    12.45 pm - 1.30 pm

    Join Creative Hearts Co. as they share their inspiring journey of transforming an empty space at Springfield Orion into a vibrant gallery pop-up. This session will delve into how they created a haven for local creatives, delivered engaging workshops, and fostered a strong community spirit. Learn about their process of crafting funding proposals, establishing their organisation, and turning their dream into reality.

  • Engaging Audiences: The Art of Social Media

    2.00 pm - 2.30 pm

    Instagram, TikTok and Youtube are now essential parts of an artist's career. Join musician Tom Thum, media personality and author Brooke Blurton, and visual artist Chloe Yeah Yeah in an engaging conversation hosted by the Side Gallery's curator, Laura Brinin. With the pannelist having over a combine million social media followers, this panel will share how they use social media to drive their opportunities and connect with audiences.

  • Profile Revamp: Crowd-sourced social media

    2.30 pm - 3.15 pm

    Don't miss this unique opportunity to receive expert feedback and creative tips from Tom Thum himself, and take your social media game to the next level. Be part of a dynamic community, share your insights, and learn from others in this interactive workshop designed to transform your online presence!

Drop in anytime

  • The Big Draw Festival!

    10.00 am - 3.00 pm, Ipswich Art Workshop

    Drop in anytime during the Creators Summit to participate in "The Big Draw" hosted by the Ipswich Art Gallery team. Founded by the Guild of St George, The Big Draw is a global celebration of drawing, promoting creativity, wellbeing, and cultural engagement. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just love to doodle, this is your chance to join in a fun and inspiring drawing experience. Come and be part of this vibrant event.

  • Lost Trades

    10.00 am - 3.00 pm, Ipswich Community Gallery

    12.00 pm - 12.30 pm - Artist talk session

    Join the Ipswich Artist Run Initiative (IPS'ARI) at their latest exhibition. Lost Trades is a multi-disciplinary exhibition rediscovering and celebrating the stories etched into the heart of our city.

  • Don't get Too Comfortable

    10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Ipswich Art Gallery

    Artworks by Matthew Cheyne + Caroline Cheyne

    Don't get too comfortable escapes into a realm of imagination. There are recurring motifs: volcanoes, tents, rodeo bulls, zoos, wild animals, nature - cultured and wild, the topsy-turvy space of the picture plane. Despite its clear escapism, this imagery presents as a metaphor, and speaks to experiences we all face in our lives and relationships.

  • Rachel North: Anthology of Memory

    10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Ipswich Art Gallery

    Rachel North is an Ipswich based artist and educator, working across textiles and ceramics. Growing up and living in predominantly rural and regional areas, her connection to landscape is an inherent component of her artwork.

  • Community Arts Organisation Expo

    11.30 am - 4.30 pm, Cunningham Room, Ipswich Civic Centre

    Join us at the Creators Summit Ipswich Expo! Explore booths from local creative arts groups, dance groups, musical organisation, and creative collectives as they share insights about their organisations. It's a great chance to connect with the vibrant arts community, learn about their work, and find inspiration. Don't miss this unique event!

  • Working on the Edge of Obsolescence

    12.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Fire Station 101

    Our digital information is fragile. Christopher Bentley’s installation explores obsolete formats and the rapid obsolescence of our data. Get hands-on with video game systems like the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Mega Drive, and experience the challenges of creating and preserving digital art. Enjoy interactive artworks, alongside prints and videos documenting the creative process.

  • Content Room

    12.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Fire Station 101

    Hop in to give the green screens a go and learn how you can book this space for your own creative projects. This is the perfect opportunity to explore new tools and get inspired.

  • Low Sensory Space - Banshees Bar & Art Space

    12.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Banshees Bar & Artspace,
    131 Brisbane Street, Ipswich

    Head over to our low sensory space, where you can unwind and recharge. Its the perfect spot to relax, reflect and escape for a moment.

  • Studio Visit

    1.00 pm - 3.30 pm, West Bremer Radio

    154 Brisbane Street, Ipswich

    Don't miss the chance to visit the West Bremer Radio studio, where you can get an inside look at the vibrant world of local broadcasting.

Presenters and Facilitators