Queensland’s regional theatre sector is set for a new wave of growth, with free statewide advisory support delivered by Cairns-based JUTE Theatre Company through the remodelled Regional Arts Services Network (RASN). JUTE is proud to be one of the six organisations contracted to deliver RASN services for the 2026-2027 period.
Building on its expertise of more than 33 years of theatre making in regional Queensland, and industry-leading capacity building initiatives such as the statewide DARTS (Driving and Activating the Regional Theatre Sector) initiative and post-COVID 19 Build Back Better recovery program, the appointment marks the next phase of JUTE’s commitment to strengthening regional theatre practice, capacity, and connectivity throughout Queensland.
Delivered through Arts Queensland, the Queensland Government’s new approach to delivering services for regional arts will boost the capacity of the state’s creative workforce and grow a vibrant statewide arts scene ahead of Brisbane 2032. Previously offering services based on geographic location, RASN now engages artform based providers with a statewide approach, positioning JUTE as the dedicated theatre lead.
Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts, The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek, said that the new approach to RASN responded to sector feedback, recognising the unique needs of the State’s creative workforce. “The Crisafulli Government is committed to strengthening the state’s arts sector,” said Minister Langbroek.
“These expert providers will support artists and creatives with artform-based skills development and advice for careers and arts businesses. The Regional Arts Services Network will also help Queenslanders access arts experiences and creative employment in their own communities, no matter where they live.”
In preparation for delivering support to theatre makers across the state, JUTE has engaged two Regional Arts Advisors, Jessica Lamb and Cassandra Ramsay, as industry professionals.
Both Jessica and Cassandra bring extensive regional theatre sector experience, having led independent theatre companies in Yeppoon and Ipswich, and will expand JUTE’s geographic reach with the Advisors working out of Yeppoon and Mackay.
JUTE Executive Artistic Director Chris Kohn said the appointment formalises the company’s long-standing work supporting regional theatre makers. “For more than three decades, JUTE has worked alongside artists in regional communities – developing new work, nurturing careers and building sustainable creative pathways,” said Mr Kohn.
“This appointment allows us to provide structured, goal-focused support to theatre practitioners across Queensland – whether they’re developing new productions, navigating funding pathways, building audiences or strengthening their creative businesses.”
“It ensures regional theatre makers have direct access to specialist expertise grounded in the realities of regional practice,” said Mr Kohn.
Through RASN, JUTE will offer free, artform-specific advice and referral services to support artists and arts workers in the theatre sector. For more information, visit: www.rasn.au or www.jute.com.au for details.
Image: JUTE’s Regional Arts Advisor Jess Lamb – photo by Paul Furse (Frontrow Foto)