Curious Arts Festival 2022 announces program for event at Empire Theatre

Back for the third time, this music and arts festival will return to Empire Theatre precinct with a program of circus, dance, contemporary music and cabaret. Details:

Between lockdowns and Covid restrictions, there hasn’t been a whole lot to celebrate when it comes to live music and performance art, but that is about to change.

The Curious Arts Festival will return to the iconic Empire Theatre for 2022 with the precinct set to host some 84 artists, performers and musicians from across Queensland and internationally.

Ben Beamish, who makes up half of Toowoomba-based pop duo the Beamish Brothers, said the festival would be a chance to not only return to the stage, but also give fans something new.

“Everyone is ready to let their hair down after so long being stuck inside and living with restrictions,” he said.

“People are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and what better way to celebrate than with the Curious Arts Festival.”

(from left) Ruth Atkinson, festival director, Ben Beamish, performer and Jamie Galley, producer at the launch of the Curious Arts Festival. Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Festival director Ruth Atkinson said the festival was a “calculated risk” when dealing with the unknown of Covid but was excited to bring a fresh mix of arts from circus to dance, interactives and music to Toowoomba.

“It’s a bit of a struggle to start a new festival, but now that we’re three years in I think 2022 will be bigger and better,” she said.

“We are grateful for the generous support of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, allowing us to engage high quality artists, extending the impact of the festival and building its future.

“The Queensland Government’s support is essential in providing opportunities for our talented locals to collaborate with professional artists, performing and learning from visiting performers.”

The Empire Theatre Precinct will transform into a place where locals and visitors can explore and discover circus acts, dance performances, installations, cabaret and contemporary music, including the youngest winner of Triple J’s Album of the Year Tia Gostelow.

Empire Theatres general manager, Kerry Saul said the festival adds to Toowoomba’s reputation as a creative place and supports experiences that enhance liveability enjoyed by the community and visitors to the city.

“We are delighted to be hosting the third Festival at the Empire Theatre and seeing our grounds filled with the curious, young and old,” he said.

Featuring brilliant artists from all over Queensland, performing alongside Toowoomba’s best, the line-up will entertain and involve all those that dare to be curious.

The Curious Arts Festival will run from March 31 to April 2. For more details, visit www.curiousarts.com.au.

2022 Curious Arts Festival highlights

The Garden of Curiosity: A signature at the Curious Arts Festival, The Garden of Curiosity is part installation, part pop-up performance, part creative playground.

Casting Off: This family-friendly hilarious circus show has a lot to say: political, fun and the acrobatics are downright dangerous. Casting Off stereotypes three dynamic intergenerational

women who tumble, talk, fly and precariously balance.

You & I: An empowering hour of skill and identity celebrating the loving relationship between two circus artists using high-level acrobatics, trapeze, magic and dance. This unashamedly authentic journey reveals a fresh narrative where gay stories are filled with conviction and acceptance.

Tia Gostelow: One of Australia’s most exciting new musicians, Tia matches her unique voice with rich instrumentals and coming-of-age experiences through lush landscapes and danceable 80’s influence. Tia is the youngest winner of Triple J’s Album of the Year for Thick Skin and nominee for the National Indigenous Music Awards and the Australian Independent Records Awards. Tia will be supported by Toowoomba’s own, Cloe Terare and more to be announced.

Break Battles: Toowoomba’s hip hop, break, popping and locking dancers are invited to pit their break skills in battle. Hosted by Elements Collective and judged by top dancers. With breakdancing now included as an Olympic sport (from Paris 2024), will Toowoomba find its own gold medallist of the future?

The Oasis: The Oasis will transform the Empire Theatre Forecourt, with family fun street performers, emerging short films, hip hop break battles and chilled out tunes. A range of local food and drink vendors will be on-site, allowing for an evening of free entertainment before the main performances.