News

Art and Life Takes Centre Stage in Talks Program

1 Sep

Media Release
Art and  Life Takes Centre Stage in Talks Program

A host of Australia’s boldest minds will gather in Brisbane in September for a series of stimulating conversations as part of Brisbane Festival’s Talks program.

A host of Australia’s boldest minds will gather in Brisbane in September for a series of stimulating conversations as part of Brisbane Festival’s Talks program.

In trying to make sense of these unsettled times we have all leant on the arts for reflection, entertainment, escape and understanding. Brisbane Festival invites our audiences to be part of a series of conversations that deep dives into hopefulness in a time of crisis.

On Brisbane Festival’s opening weekend, QPAC scholar-in-residence Professor Judith McLean will facilitate an in-depth conversation on The Art of Resilience, featuring Bundjalung woman, director and producer Rhoda Roberts AO, Founder and Director of Ethical Intelligence Mark Crosweller ASFM, Australian lawyer and human rights advocate Nyadol Nyuan, and multiaward- winning entrepreneur and former Mental Health Commissioner Nicole Gibson. The two-hour symposium will be held at the Playhouse, QPAC on Saturday 5 September from 2pm.

From Whispers to Revolutions: The Future of Our Creative Industries brings together Brisbane Festival artists Alethea Beetson, Robin Fox, Gavin Webber, Lisa Fa’alafi, Leah Shelton and Natano Fa’anana to discuss art-making in a socially-distanced world, hosted by Louise Bezzina at La Boite’s Roundhouse Theatre on Saturday 19 September from 4pm.

In such an unusual year, it would be remiss not to have some serious conversations, reflecting on the times and the way to move forward. The arts help us to make sense of the world, so the inclusion of a talks program has never been so important to be part of the Brisbane Festival program

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina

“Artists have spent their careers crafting ways to bring people together; large community gatherings are the very foundation of our craft,” Ms Bezzina said. “While the pandemic has dismantled the creative industries, it has necessitated new ways of creating, with the potential for positive and lasting change.

“We’ve assembled a provocative panel of artists who will divulge their perspectives and plans for creating a new future post-COVID-19 in what is sure to be a stirring and stimulating afternoon of sharing.”

Brisbane Festival’s Talks series is part of a joyous and uplifting three-week program that spans giant outdoor installations, intimate street concerts, suburban symphonies and an epic new light and laser installation.

Complementing the Talks series is DomestiCITY by WOW (Women of the World) Australia, a weekend of performances, exhibitions and conversations about the impacts of COVID-19 on women and girls globally and locally. DomestiCITY runs from 18 – 20 September with more information about how to join the
conversation at wowaustralia.com.au.


An empty theatre with the Brisbane Festival logo displayed on the stage screen.
Past Event
5 Sept

The Art of Resilience

Playhouse, QPAC

From Whispers to Revolutions
Past Event
DomestiCITY
Past Event
18 – 20 Sept

DomestiCITY

Brisbane Festival expresses deep respect to and acknowledges the First People of this Country.