Overview
The shows livening up its stages change frequently. The art exhibitions gracing its walls, too. They're not the only things that shift and evolve at Fortitude Valley's Judith Wright Arts Centre, though, with the venue itself now welcoming patrons back in after undergoing a revamp.
If you'd noticed that sections of the Brunswick Street spot had been closed of late, that's thanks to a $3.1 million refurbishment, which includes the addition of a corner gallery — and digital projections onto the building's facade. But, it's now back in action after its makeover, complete with new shop fronts and office space, as well as new rehearsal and performance areas.
As part of the reopening, three new tenants have also moved into the building. That's where you'll find art gallery Outer Space, which just staged an exhibition about folks moving back to Brisbane due to the pandemic, rather than leaving it for bigger cities down south — and also theatre production group The Little Red Company, the team behind shows such as Christmas Actually, Lady Beatle and The Iso Late Show. And, although it prides itself on hosting shows absolutely anywhere around town — which it is currently doing at the moment — Anywhere Festival has also set up shop in the building.
The three newcomers to the Judy join the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts, Artour, AusDance Queensland, Blak Dance, Circa, Creative Partnerships Australia, Australasian Dance Company, Flying Arts Alliance, Institute of Modern Art, Musica Viva and Carbon Creative, all of which already call the venue home.
Elizabeth Willing, Seppeltsfield, 2021, and Unknown (South Australia), 2019, wine press membranes. Installation view, All my friends are (leaving) returning to Brisbane, Outer Space Gallery. Courtesy of the artist and Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne. Photo: Chris Howlett.
And, if you're looking for an excuse to stop by, the Judy will be hosting 11 new visual arts, dance, theatre, circus and music works and performancees this year, as part of its First Night Showcase Judith Wright Arts Centre program. Keep an eye on the venue's website for further details.
Find the Judith Wright Arts Centre at 420 Brunswick Street, on the corner of Berwick Street, in Fortitude Valley.
Top image: Maeve Baker, 'Do Your Chores, Try Not To Think Too Much, And Repeat', 2020, IMA Belltower Façade Projection. Commissioned by the Institute of Modern Art for 'Making ArtWork'. Photo: Charlie Hillhouse.