Brisbane Festival 2026 Program Launch

Minister for Education and the Arts, the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP; Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Honourable Tim Nicholls MP; The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Brisbane Festival, Deputy Chair, Mr Philip Bacon AO; Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charlie Cush; Artistic Director, Ms Ebony Bott; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I, too, by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this morning. And I acknowledge Tribal Experiences for that wonderful Welcome to Country which brings us together in a spirit of goodwill.

As Patron of the Brisbane Festival and an avid supporter of the arts in Queensland, I am delighted to join you this morning for the much-anticipated launch of this year’s Brisbane Festival program, which has been expertly curated by Ms Ebony Bott.

We gather here at South Bank to eagerly await the release of yet another exciting and ambitious three-week program of events in September, as our city and suburbs are transformed into vibrant arts and cultural spaces, immersing audiences in an array of rich sensory experiences, magical moments and sheer joy.

As one of Australia’s largest and most cherished cultural events, the staging of the festival –– with its hundreds of productions and performances, featuring over 2,000 local and international artists –– requires substantial coordination. 

From the outset, I wish to sincerely thank everyone involved in the planning and delivery of this massive undertaking. As we look ahead to the 2026 program with excitement, this year’s festival promises to be bold, imaginative and deeply engaging, bringing new works to our stages, activating our public spaces, and inviting audiences to experience Brisbane in fresh and unexpected ways.

The Brisbane Festival is unashamedly big and bold. Last year’s festival generated $7.7 million in ticket sales, and over $64 million in gross economic value to Queensland; which certainly speaks to the idea espoused by some commentators who suggest festivals are actually ‘economic powerhouses disguised as fun!’ 

While they do transform local economies, they also remind us of our shared humanity, the importance of community, and that life really can be extraordinary. 

Festivals invite us to experience the world through new perspectives and insights. They strengthen social connections and community wellbeing, spark curiosity, and remind us of the power of shared cultural experiences. I commend this festival's commitment to inclusivity, seen in its wide range of free performances, diverse voices, and local talent, including emerging practitioners and First Nations artists.

As Patron, I extend my appreciation to the Brisbane Festival’s outstanding leadership team, including CEO Charlie Cush and the executive; the Board, chaired by Dr Jane Wilson AO; Giving Committee Chair the Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley; and Indigenous Advisory Group Chair, Aunty Bridget Garay, along with many others.

I also acknowledge the incredibly talented artists who will dazzle us with their performances; the festival’s professional staff and dedicated volunteers whose support is invaluable; and I thank the generosity of the State Government, Brisbane City Council and other sponsors, donors and corporate partners for their vital funding and support.

I look forward to celebrating this remarkable festival with you in the months ahead. Thank you.