Artist Kyle Jenkins sheds a light on new Creative CBD program and how it’ll benefit locals

One local artist’s creations, described as a punk and political fusion, will be on display on the streets of Toowoomba for all to see. Here’s where to find it.

In his own words, Kyle Jenkins’s art is a fusion of “structure”, encompassing physical, social, and political, and the punk music he grew up listening too.

His brand of art is one unheard of in Toowoomba, but thanks to a program launched by the Toowoomba Regional Council, the city will have its eyes opened to the unique creations on offer in the region.

Mr Jenkins is just one artist whose work will be on display during the new Creative CBD initiative, launched last Friday.

In a Queensland-first trial, the Toowoomba Regional Council has invested in our local artists and creators by giving them a space to showcase their work in the centre of the CBD.

The Creative CBD Toowoomba program will transform vacant shopfronts into temporary workspaces for local businesses looking at expanding their business to the CBD.

Mr Jenkins said the program encouraged inclusiveness from both participating artists and locals.

“The wonderful thing about the gallery is that it’s always open,” he said.

“It takes pressure of people feeling like they can’t come into a space.

“People who aren’t necessarily used to seeing a space may feel like there's this kind of burden, that they may not know anything about the art and they’re not welcome but it’s the opposite.”

The Alexandra Lawson Gallery is the first to occupy the space at Waltons in the new initiative aimed at enlivening the CBD on Ruthven Street.

Mr Jenkins said it was particularly important that the space was occupied by artists who have something to add to the Toowoomba community, and have the ability to introduce residents to art they may not have experienced otherwise.

“Whenever a gallery is anyone near the centre of a place it’s really essential,” he said.

“It’s not about just getting one voice of art.

“It shows the multitude and breadth of different artistic responses.”

The Creative CBD trial will run until June 2021 and will be evaluated on its effectiveness to support local emerging businesses.

Residents or property-owners who are interested in participating in the trial are encouraged to complete an Expression of Interest form by visiting www.tr.qld.gov.au/creativeCBD.