THE region’s vibrant arts community will take centre stage alongside Australian indie-pop legend Ben Lee as Creators’ Summit-Ipswich returns this weekend.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the summit had a strong legacy of helping emerging artists find their voice, and this year would be no different.
“The Creators’ Summit brings the burgeoning creative community from Ipswich and beyond together for a celebration of ideas, art and connection,” Mayor Harding said.
This year’s theme, The Future Belongs to the Weird, reflects the summit’s focus on innovation and creativity.
Ipswich’s own creative talent will be represented by musicians Tim McCallum and Damien J Johnson, fine art and design practitioner Benitta, multimedia artist Glen Smith, and members of the Ipswich Arts Advisory Group.
“The Ipswich Creators’ Summit is a fantastic opportunity for local creators to commune together, become more familiar with one another and inspire each other,” local Ipswich musician Damien Johnson said.
“Our creative community boasts hundreds of people who actively engage in creative arts activities each week, whether professionally or recreationally and ultimately everyone is creative at their core – that’s part of what it means to be human.”
Local arts mainstay and personality Mr Smith said the Creators’ Summit had important value to the arts community.
“It’s a great way for new and emerging artists to communicate, network and learn what Ipswich has to offer its arts community,” he said.
“It brings together all avenues of the arts, for a one-day celebration, networking and learning new skills and ideas.
“I really do think that I can pass on knowledge that will help new and emerging artists.
“I have been part of the Ipswich Arts scene for over 20 years and have experienced the good and bad of trying to find your place in the arts community.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chair Councillor Pye Augustine said the summit was a highlight of the Ipswich arts calendar.
“Arts and culture are a driving force in our growing city, bringing the community together while delivering social and economic benefits,” Cr Augustine said.
“The Creators’ Summit is a showcase of Ipswich’s talent, providing opportunities to rub shoulders with some of the best artists in the country.”
The summit also aligns with Ipswich City Council’s 10-year vision, Our Creative Future 2025-2035, which aims to position Ipswich as a nationally recognised creative city shaped by its people and grounded in its history.
Tickets to the Creators’ Summit are available at ShapeYourIpswich.com.au/creators-summit-2026.
