The Empire Launches 2024 Thrive on Arts Program
The Empire’s popular family festival Thrive on Arts will return from September 26-29, celebrating all things nature and the environment.
The Thrive on Arts program offers a mixture of free and ticketed events for children aged 0-12, including lawn games and activities, Storytime Under the Magnolia Tree, Pat Malone’s Magic Garden in the Armitage Centre, craft projects by Tinker and children’s tours of The Empire that are part history, part adventure.
A festival highlight is acclaimed First Nations performing arts company Bangarra Dance Theatre with their first children’s work, Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle.
This stunning and interactive theatre piece follows the story of Migi the turtle as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival under the star-studded skies of the Torres Strait.
Other ticketed experiences include children’s physical theatre production A Bee Story, a screening of children’s comedy film The Lorax, and First Five Forever’s reading of local author Rory Mather’s book Roary the Lion with accompaniment by musicians from Toowoomba Concert Orchestra.
The Empire General Manager Giuliana Bonel said Thrive on Arts brings unique experiences to the community and is a perfect way to introduce our youngest audience members to the arts.
“This year’s program is a celebration of conservation, the environment and nature featuring a diverse program of performances, displays and interactive experiences,” Ms Bonel said.
Thrive on Arts has something to bring out the artist in every member of the family!
Giuliana Bonel - The Empire General Manager
“Thrive on Arts has been running annually since 2018, growing and expanding each year and as we launch the program for our seventh consecutive festival, we are looking forward to opening the gates for another incredible festival during the 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.”
Bookings are essential for ticketed Thrive on Arts performances.
For more information or to book tickets to Thrive on Arts performances, visit empiretheatre.com.au.
#What’s New
After four sold-out shows in September of this year, Theatre of Magic is returning by popular demand to The Empire for a six-month series of performances.
The Empire Foundation has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2024 Empire Youth Bursaries.
The Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) will shine a light on talented artists across Southern Queensland with the creation of a high-quality publication aimed at celebrating the spirit and stories of Southern Queensland art and culture.
A remarkable true story of unity, humanity and hope lands on The Empire stage when Tony and Olivier Award-winning hit Broadway musical Come From Away performs from 14 – 23 March 2025.
In the lead-up to 2024 NAIDOC Week celebrations, The Empire launched their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in support of their ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation in Australia.
The Empire’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent in the region continues with the opening of applications for The Empire Foundation 2024 Youth Bursaries.
