Setting the course for Ipswich’s vibrant arts and culture scene
Published on 19 December 2025
Ipswich City Council’s new arts and culture vision aims to make Ipswich a nationally recognised creative city by building on the region’s artistic energy.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said Our Creative Future 2025-2035, which was adopted in the latest council meeting, provides a 10-year vision and establishes values and key priorities.
“The vision establishes a north star to help us guide the continued momentum of our creative and culturally vibrant city,” Cr Augustine said.
“Ipswich is experiencing unprecedented growth which means council must keep up with not just physical infrastructure, but the social infrastructure that arts and culture play a key role in.
“The 2018–2023 Arts and Cultural Strategy and Creative Industries Action Plan addendum have expired, prompting a review of council’s strategic direction for arts and culture.
“The review identified that while both documents remain broadly relevant, they no longer reflect the maturity or scale of the current arts and cultural sector in Ipswich.
“A refresh was necessary, especially one that more appropriately reflects the role of our incredibly creative community, local artists and organisations and features the importance of major institutions such as the Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Civic Centre and City-Wide events.
“Our Creative Future 2025-2035 outlines that Ipswich will be a nationally recognised creative city, shaped by its people, powered by its spirit and grounded in its history.”
It is designed to provide strategic clarity, align with funding commitments, and support coordinated delivery of arts and cultural initiatives while strengthening council’s advocacy position with state and federal partners.
It provides a clear and coordinated foundation for strengthening arts and culture across the city.
“The vision, values and key priorities set the long-term direction, identify focus areas and position both council and the community to encourage future investment with confidence and clarity,” Cr Augustine said.
“A strong cultural vision recognises that creativity is central to identity, wellbeing, economic growth and everyday life.
“It provides clear direction, brings stakeholders together and confirms that arts and culture are essential to a thriving community.
“For the people of Ipswich, a vision ensures creative experiences are accessible, inclusive and reflect us.
“It supports storytelling, diverse voices, and a shared sense of pride and belonging.
“For artists and creatives, a vision provides legitimacy, support and a sense of future.
“It celebrates creativity and opens opportunities to build career pathways, signalling that creative work is valued and vital to community life.
“Ipswich stands at a defining crossroads in its cultural development.
“With its population growth and an increasingly diverse and youthful community plus amazing cultural assets, the city is uniquely positioned to embed arts and culture as a driver of connection, innovation and investment.
“Our Creative Future 2025-2035 will allow us to seize this opportunity and make the most of it.”
For more information, visit https://www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/arts-and-cultural-vision.