Partnership Projects

Outspoken arose, quite simply, from the idea that, living here in the regions, we were isolated from the larger literary and political world. Tyyni and I wanted to see if we could persuade some of Australia and the world’s most exciting writers to come here and to speak with us, in person. Well, writers, it turned out, have responded very positively to the invitation. As of November 2025 we have been operating continuously for fifteen years. In that time we

RED CHAIR, a Sunshine Coast performing arts company dedicated to community engagement, is bringing its celebrated, socially engaged live art project, The Keeper Project, to Maroochydore on Gubbi Gubbi country in 2026. Following successful iterations in Coolum, Nambour and Caloundra, your generous support will see this ambitious project engage ten local artists to serve as ‘Keepers,’ each performing a unique three-week creative ritual in a public space. Running over 30 weeks, The Keeper Project is an inherently participatory experience designed

Based on the Sunshine Coast (Kabi Kabi Country), artist Shikani Sargent explores the connections between memory, home, and place through collage, drawing, text, and paint. Inspired by personal narratives, Shikani’s mixed media works reflect experiences of an itinerant home life, shaped by frequent moves across rural towns in regional Queensland. This exploration of home and place—of location and dislocation—is expressed materially, with torn, cut, and rearranged collages that often seek solace in painterly representations of nature. Shikani has exhibited widely

Support the Sound of Change Welcome to Long Listen, a festival of brave, bold, and brilliant listening experiences. After three transformative festivals in Eudlo, Palmwoods, and Mapleton, Long Listen returns 2–5 October 2026, offering four days of concerts, conversations, and cultural experiences across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. More than a festival, Long Listen is a playground for artistic curiosity, a celebration of connection, and a platform for daring new work. Founded by Louise King, each annual program champions Australian art music, eclectic genres, and

D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective is a multicultural, Sunshine Coast-based company that creates immersive, thought-provoking performances. We blend physical theatre, dance, and visual arts to tell stories that explore social themes. With a diverse ensemble of artists, we break traditional theatre boundaries by using multiple languages and interactive spaces. Our shows are devised collectively, drawing inspiration from the community, aiming to foster discussion and new perspectives. We believe theatre should be a shared experience that challenges, connects, and inspires. ABOUT OUR WORK

An award-winning musical by Aleathea Monsour and Katy Forde A Surprise Smash Hit – Fuel the Momentum! Dear You! Thank you for being here! We’re Aleathea Monsour and Katy Forde. We wrote the musical “A Girl’s Guide to World War”. We are passionate about sharing this incredible true story. To our surprise and delight, our heartfelt show has become a runaway success. It has played to sell-out crowds and standing ovations across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. The musical also

Adding to the arts landscape of the Sunshine Coast has been an important drive for Riley Cope and Marina de Jager, two local creatives. From auditions to curtain calls, theatre is a joyous experience that builds community and culture. Adding to the arts landscape of the Sunshine Coast has been an important drive for Riley Cope and Marina de Jager, two local creatives. Having contributed to various projects that have propelled the Sunshine Coast arts scene forward over the last

Melissa is the founder of LJ Projects, a dance/theatre company specialising in immersive theatre, education and outreach programs. Melissa is a contemporary dance theatre artist with a career spanning 27 years working extensively in Australia and the U.K. She has worked on many social inclusion projects and main stream dance company productions as a dancer herself, then fulfilling roles such as dance development artist for (DanceEastBritish Arts Council), community dance artist/ teacher on independent projects and ultimately as a choreographer.

Dancelab is a multilayered platform designed to support and provide training, mentorship and performance opportunities to emerging dance artists on the Sunshine Coast. Artistic Director, Michelle Bucci is a passionate creative leader with a career spanning over 30 years in choreography, coaching, and artistic direction. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts with qualifications in Dance, Design and Training & Assessment, Michelle brings a unique blend of expertise to every project and strives to inspire and nurture the next generation