Modernisation Project

The Judith Wright Arts Centre will undergo a refurbishment commencing in October 2024 with expected completion in April 2025.

Project scope

The Queensland Government through Arts Queensland is leading a $8.5 million infrastructure project to modernise the Judith Wright Arts Centre (JWAC) tenancy, rehearsal and other back of house spaces. The project supports the evolving infrastructure needs and future growth of Queensland’s arts sector. 

Upgrading cultural infrastructure supports Creative Together 2020–2030, the Queensland Government’s 10-year roadmap for arts, culture and creativity, by building a sustainable arts sector and helping to generate tourism, cultural and economic outcomes ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Benefits:

• better building connectivity and purpose for collaboration and sharing
• more spaces for creative development
• new tenancies and hot desk opportunities
• improved disability access, security and safety
• support for First Nations arts by making new meeting, studio and hot desk space available for First Nations creatives and supporting the growth ambitions of First Nations tenants
• conserve the heritage values of the building

The project will:

• increase rehearsal and studio spaces from three to eight accessible rehearsal spaces
• support new office tenancies and provision of hot desks
• modernise offices and amenities
• create new flexible breakout and collaborative spaces including a large boardroom with video conferencing facilities, a focus room and a shared breakout space
• upgrade security systems and safety
• compliant disability access across all levels of the JWAC building

Construction activity:

• The building foyer and entry points on levels 1 and 2 are expected to remain open to the public and tenants throughout the project.
• During the construction phase, the performance space will not be available for public bookings.
• The galleries for the IMA and Outer Space will remain open and free of charge as usual with public welcome to visit the exhibitions during opening hours. See the IMA and Outer Space websites for current exhibition programming.

Project timeline

Frequently asked questions