Artist and performer Andy Dexterity is looking to give Townsville a creative face lift

From hollywood music videos to performing on The Voice and acting on set with the Wiggles this artist has done it all. Now he has arrived in Townsville with big plans for the city, see why.

Andy Dexterity has recently moved to Townsville and is looking to boost creative events around town. Picture: Shae Beplate.

From starring in music videos with Hollywood’s biggest stars, to on set with the wiggles and taking over The Voice with sign language, this artist has quite the impressive resume but now he has arrived in Townsville looking to ignite its creative capacity.

You may know Andy Dexterity from a number of places across the country and the world including the Sydney Opera House stage, working alongside music stars such as Ed Sheeran and Tate McRae or being the first contestant to perform on The Voice using Australian Sign Language.

However a change of pace has brought him to Townsville and after discovering a beautiful landscape with deep creative roots, he is now looking for new avenues to boost or create events.

“I’ve only met great people in Townsville and everyone wants to collaborate,” Dexterity said.

After first hearing only negative things prior to his move north, he was amazed at what he found in Townsville.

“I feel so welcomed by Townsville, I’m in shock actually because I was ready for homophobia, I was ready for the car getting stolen and set on fire and my experience is totally opposite,” Dexterity said.

Andy Dexterity with one of his knitted creations ‘Gloria’. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“It’s so beautiful, I’m actually surprised.”

“My first thought was ‘why isn’t everyone out on the streets having a party?’ This town looks like it’s ready to become a holiday destination and it just wasn’t.”

After wanting to get to know the wider community he decided to bring his experimental and unique knitting to Cotters Markets, where his bright display drew in a curious crowd.

“Gloria is my Grandma’s name so now everything I knit is called Gloria,” Dexterity said.

“Gloria is full of messiness … but the imperfections are what make it special.”

What he found at the markets and other events around the city including day party series ‘NIMBÜSSY’ run by local group helipad studio space, was a strong community of creative connection.

“I feel like there’s this network here already in Townsville that’s coming to light,” Dexterity said.

“I’m encouraging the other artists I met in Townsville to share their stuff as well, not online, because that’s based on algorithms and making money, but just being in one place, and sharing your creativity.

“Get off the f—ing computer.”

He also has plans to expand his presence at the markets to include knitting workshops, AUSLAN lessons or a place where kids could freely express themselves.

“One of the great things about Townsville is that we do have a good community, but sometimes you just have to get out into it and find it,” Dexterity said.

If anyone is interested in getting in contact about events or ideas, reach out on his Instagram Andydexterity

Originally published as Artist and performer Andy Dexterity is looking to give Townsville a creative face lift