Local creatives to join Ben Lee at Creators' Summit-Ipswich 2026
Published on 23 February 2026
Ipswich creatives will share the stage with Australian indie-pop legend Ben Lee as Creators’ Summit-Ipswich returns on 7 March 2026.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Creators’ Summit has a strong legacy of helping emerging artists find their way into their craft and this year would be no different.
“The Creators’ Summit brings the burgeoning creative community from Ipswich and beyond together for a celebration of ideas, art and connection,” Mayor Harding said.
“Past summits have inspired local creatives to step out and achieve amazing results. Multidisciplinary visual artist Andrea Baumert-Howard attended the summit in 2023 – afterwards, she and a group of others established an arts organisation for advocacy, and enabled local artists to share, create and sell art.
“This year, Andrea is back at the summit – as a speaker now hoping to inspire others.
“The Creators’ Summit is a wonderful event of collaboration, networking and sharing of ideas between emerging and experienced artists – which has the ability to transform artists and take them to the next level.
“This year’s theme is The Future Belongs to the Weird, and we are fortunate to have an incredible lineup of artists sharing their experience including singer-songwriter Ben Lee.
“In addition to Andrea, there is a lineup of Ipswich’s very own creative stars, such as musician Tim McCallum, fine art and design practitioner Benitta, country and folk musician Damien J Johnson, multimedia artist Glen Smith and the Ipswich Arts Advisory Group.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the summit is a much-anticipated event in the Ipswich arts calendar.
“Arts and culture is a driving force in our vibrant and growing city, bringing our community closer together as well as delivering social and economic benefits,” Cr Augustine said.
“The Creators’ Summit is a showcase of Ipswich’s talent in the arts, rubbing shoulders with some of the best artists and creatives in the country.
“This year, attendees can expect inspiring talks, hands-on workshops and shared experiences designed to spark curiosity and fuel creative momentum.
“Council recently endorsed a 10-year vision called Our Creative Future 2025-2035 – which outlines our vision for Ipswich to be a nationally recognised creative city, shaped by its people, powered by its spirit and grounded in its history.
“The Creators’ Summit is an important opportunity in working towards achieving that vision, providing a space to inspire the community to foster their artistic spirit which will ultimately help grow Ipswich’s reputation as a creative city.”
Ipswich award-winning multidisciplinary visual artist Andrea Baumert-Howard is particularly excited for this year’s summit.
“It’s a full circle moment for me – a group of Ipswich artists including myself attended the Ipswich Creators’ Summit 2023,” Mrs Baumert-Howard said.
“Taking inspiration from the event and the speakers, we established the Ipswich Artist Run Initiative (IPS’ARI) to advocate for the arts and create opportunities for local artists to share, create and sell art.
“I hope the line-up of speakers at this year’s summit will inspire emerging artists, just as it inspired me – I will see everyone at the summit!”
Tickets to Creators’ Summit-Ipswich 2026 can be purchased at Shapeyouripswich.com.au/creators-summit-2026