A Legacy of Creativity: Regional Artists Celebrated in Stunning New Publication
The vibrance and talent of Southern Queensland’s artists takes centre stage with the launch of a premium publication, Under the Southern Sky – Arts and Culture of Southern Queensland, a showcase of the region’s incredible skill and creativity.
Launched by Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network (SQ RASN), the 120-page magazine features 43 outstanding artists, groups and projects across more than 20 artforms including visual art, performing arts and community installations, with in depth feature articles and stunning photography.
Covering 16 local government areas spanning from the coastal hub of the Gold Coast to remote communities like Thargomindah, the magazine celebrates the diverse geographic, cultural, generational and artistic facets of Southern Queensland, representing First Nations voices, young and emerging artists, balancing urban and rural perspectives and displaying the strong community and collaborative spirit.
SQ RASN Regional Manager Michelle Blair said the publication of the magazine was the perfect way to celebrate the work the Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network program which concludes in June 2025 after seven years.
“We saw the development of this publication as a meaningful legacy—honouring the networks, artists, and creatives that SQ RASN has connected and supported across the region throughout our tenure,” Mrs Blair said.
“We hope readers will uncover artists, places and practices they didn’t know existed, sparking curiosity and pride in their region and that they will come away with a deeper understanding of the value of arts and culture in regional life; not just economically but socially, emotionally and historically,” she said.
“This incredible publication will help foster a stronger sense of regional identity and connection, showing that while each community is unique, they are all part of a larger creative ecosystem.”
The Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network services Gold Coast, Redlands, Logan, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Balonne, Maranoa, Bulloo, Quilpie, Paroo and Murweh.
The Regional Arts Services Network is a partnership between the Queensland Government and The Empire Theatre to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
For more information, to purchase a copy of Under the Southern Sky – Arts and Culture of Southern Queensland or to find a list of stockists, visit empiretheatre.com.au/rasn-under-the-southern-sky.
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