The Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane is home to a variety of contemporary arts that will take your breath away. The centre offers a wide variety of acts including cabaret, circus, dance, music and performance.
What’s at the centre?
The centre is home to many performance companies, as well as arts organisations. When you visit you’ll also find the Institute of Modern Art gallery. This gallery was established in 1975 and plays an important part in encouraging and developing local and national art. In order to achieve this goal, the gallery commisions artwork from both Australian and international artists. Throughout the year, the gallery puts on various exhibitions, be sure to catch one when you’re there.
During your visit you can enjoy a relaxing drink at the Arthouse Coffee cafe. The cafe uses locally roasted Elixir beans. If tea is your drink of choice, there is a range of T2 teas. When the day turns to night, the cafe is transformed into the Glass Bar and Restaurant. Whether you just want a refreshing cocktail to end your day, or are in need of a hearty meal, the restaurant has you covered. Enjoy hot food such as pulled pork sliders and apple slaw, or share a cheese board in the easy atmosphere.
What’s on?
Every month at the centre is packed with amazing events and August is no different. Finding the Silence is a spectacular show put on my Casus. This Brisbane born and based circus company received recognition around the world for their first show, Knee Deep. It’s back this year with the Finding The Silence, which looks at silence, how it shapes us and how it is so very elusive. Key questions about our vulnerabilities and emotions as well as exploration for clarity are translated into an innovative and intriguing dance and circus performance.
This show runs from August 15-23 starting at 7:30pm, with no performances on Sunday and Monday. Book your tickets to the August 20 show and you’ll also be able to take part in a question and answer session after the performance. Tickets are $39, or $36 for concession or if you’re in a group of six or more.
If you’re in Brisbane on August 29, check out Needlepoints of Light, which is presented by the Queensland Poetry Festival. This show brings together poetry and the stars above in a magical event. Various poets, both local and overseas, share their power with words. Warsan Shire, the 2014 Arts Queensland Poet in Residence, and his powerful poems will be joined by Cyril Wong from Singapore and Sarah Holland-Batt, each of them masters of their craft. They are also accompanied by musicians The Bell Divers and the McKisko, whose songs will tug at your heart. The Bell Divers’ work has been described as wistful and melodious that tell stories of vagrants and criminals and are littered with eclectic subject matter.
The show runs from 7:30pm-10:00pm. Full tickets are $25 whereas concession tickets are $20. If you’re travelling with your friends or meeting up with family and have a group of more than 15, you’ll pay $15. You can buy them from the Judith Wright Centre website.
How do I get there?
The centre is located right in the centre of the creative precinct of Fortitude Valley, at 420 Brunswick Street. When your mode of transport is a Brisbane rental car, make the most of the parking deal. All visitors of the Judith Wright Centre get a flat rate of $6 at the Wilson Parking lot that is directly opposite the centre on Berwick Street. Simply validate your Wilson Parking ticket at the centre using the red box on level 1. This way you’ll get the special price when you leave.