THE union of Booval Fair Shopping Centre and Arts Connect Ipswich Inc continue to share their love of community by showcasing local artists in The Booval Fair Arts Connect Community Art Gallery.
This union has allowed new, emerging, and established artists opportunities that they may never have had the confidence to do themselves.
The gallery has allowed Arts Connect Ipswich members to showcase their talents in a safe space that supports artist’s of all levels and of all mediums.
The Booval Fair Shopping Centre was originally opened as Woolworths Family Centre in 1969, with its major retailers being Woolworths and R.T. Edwards plus 60 other stores. It was renamed Booval Fair.
In 1985-1986, Booval Fair underwent an $80 million facelift, completed in December, 1986. Prior to the construction of the shopping centre, Polar Ice Works, West Moreton Co-Operative and Christadelphian Church had been located on the site.
Booval Fair has been a proud part of the local community for almost six decades, hosting countless shows, entertainments, competitions, giveaways and more. Recently the centre celebrated its legacy and called on longtime customers and vistors to share their memories and photos from the last 57 years, which was featured as part of the 2026 Galvanized Festival with display’s outside Woolworths.
Booval Fair Shopping Centre’s motto is “Heart of the Community”, a motto that echoes Arts Connect Ipswich Inc.
Arts Connect Ipswich Inc is affiliated with Arts Queensland, the peak body for regional arts in Queensland. Formed over 60 years ago as Ipswich’s Arts Council, it has run continuously since that time. The name Arts Connect defines the purpose of “Connecting our community” with and through the arts.
With a vision of sustaining the arts in the Ipswich region by fostering creativity and enriching lives in the community through access to and participation in the arts.
A vibrant not-for-profit organisation run purely by volunteers, its mission is to support creative artists by providing sponsorship and professional development opportunities and organising and participating in local arts events and festivals.
It has a mix of visual, textile and performance artists, and those that support the arts. With members from 18 to 92, Arts Connect Ipswich Inc is a community group that welcomes everybody without prejudice.
Since the gallery’s inception in Booval Fair, there has been significant opportunities for artists through mural competitions, workshops with Booval Fair mascot Buddy, and an increase in gallery exhibitions including Ipswich Photography Club, Bremer River Catchment, and Ipswich City Council’s annual Sustainability week.
The Booval Fair Arts Connect Community Art Gallery is open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm and has an amazing array of art including painting, photography, sculpture, woodwork, indigenous art, mixed media, textile and so much more.
