Toowoomba Creative Industries Summit to bring together arts, culture

Published on 03 March 2026

Toowoomba Region creative practitioners, entrepreneurs, and representatives from arts organisations will examine the arts sector’s current and future trends at a Toowoomba Creative Industry Summit at The Annexe on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The summit will focus on the intersection between art, culture, technology and entrepreneurship and how these forces shape the liveability and creative future of our region.

Across the event, attendees will hear inspiring stories and participate in round table discussions with talented local creatives and industry change‑makers, alongside leading arts thinkers and connectors. These exchanges will spark new ideas, highlight emerging opportunities, and illuminate the pathways our region can take as we build momentum toward a vibrant creative future.

Designed as an immersive and collaborative experience, the summit invites participants from diverse backgrounds to work together toward a bold, shared vision for Toowoomba’s creative future within the momentum of Brisbane 2032.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Library and Cultural Services portfolio leader Councillor Melissa Taylor said the summit would be focusing on hyperlocal round table discussions with collaborative and facilitated conversations that will draw out ideas, opinions and the expertise of the Region’s creative arts community.

“Our Region is fortunate to have a thriving arts and cultural scene that helps drive economic development, contributes to broader regional goals and boosts tourism. The Creative Industries Summit also provides an opportunity to strengthen industry networks’, Cr Taylor said.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, our 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.

“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.    

“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies. The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”

For more information, including the full program and to book tickets, please visit Creative Industries Summit – Runway to 2032, Toowoomba City | Visit Toowoomba Region

Enquiries can also be directed to TRC’s Coordinator Cultural Services Jo Beazley at Jo.Beazley@tr.qld.gov.au or by calling 131 872.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Photo Caption: Rebecca McIntosh (Bec Mac) is the keynote speaker, and is a nationally recognised Artistic Director, Creative Entrepreneur, and Arts Journalist.