Artsworx receives standing ovation for quality production

A not-for-profit organisation responsible for bringing local residents artistic and cultural events such as the Shakespeare in the Park Festival, the acclaimed Twilight Series and the ever-popular McGregor schools, has been named one of the best in Queensland.

Artsworx, a USQ production house and the only one of its kind at an Australian university, was selected as a finalist for the Queensland Regional Art and Culture Award 2009 from more than 100 artists and art organisations from across the State.

Artsworx manager Dr Rebecca Scollen said being named in the top three was a wonderful achievement for USQ.

'To receive this recognition demonstrates to the community and to the University that Artsworx is a valuable asset bringing diverse, high-quality cultural experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the Toowoomba Regional Shire, South-West Queensland and the Fraser Coast/Wide Bay regions,' Dr Scollen said.

'There is no other university in Australia with an Artsworx.'

The production house consists of 10 dedicated staff members who use their expertise to resource and service the many varied events and activities through the year, including the nationally-acclaimed artists’ retreat McGregor Summer School.

'Artsworx assists the USQ School of Creative Arts (SoCA) to provide practical learning opportunities for its students so that they have direct involvement in a range of performing and visual art public outcomes,' Dr Scollen said.

'These opportunities help SoCA to equip its students with the skills and experiences they need to be best equipped for their careers.'

In many cases the staff work directly alongside the Creative Arts students in a mentoring and supervisory capacity and deliver services such as technical and design, box office and marketing, finance and administration, front-of-house and hospitality, fundraising and project management.

The Queensland Art and Culture Award is an Australian Government initiative celebrating the brilliant artistic achievements, multicultural and indigenous culture for their incredible imagination, initiative and flair required to produce such inspirational work.