As they mark this 10th anniversary, the company is launching a bold, year-long program of events, artist residencies, and large-scale public works – each reinforcing their commitment to making art with impact.

“For ten years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with extraordinary artists, community members, and organisations across the country,” said Executive Director Kate Baggerson.

From large-scale cathartic dance experiences at major festivals, to seniors performing loud and proud slam poetry; playful inter-generational radio stations; fierce roller-skating rock shows; anthemic pop soundtracks; visual-arts projects; and bespoke performance experiences in country halls, parks, in the streets, in aged-care, hospitals, and schools; Everybody NOW! has grown into a truly multi-disciplinary, award-winning arts organisation.

This milestone is not just a celebration of our past, but a launchpad into an exciting new chapter marked by our commitment to providing new and innovative ways for communities to access and participate in the arts, to tell their stories, ignite their creativity and come together through art.

EVERYBODY NOW!’s work is underpinned by research that highlights the arts as a catalyst for social cohesion, wellbeing, and improved mental and physical health.

“Over the years we’ve built a significant body of data that attests to the social value of participatory art-making in bonding and building experiences that support communities to develop relationships, connection, and improve wellbeing.

We have moved communities, we’ve generated joy and we’ve shared real people’s stories in powerful, playful and optimistic ways. As we move into our next decade, we believe this is a critical time for creating art in this way, to weather uncertain times and combat polarisation” says Kate.

The Company’s 2025 program embodies a spirit of hope, joy and belonging, bringing together diverse voices in a series of deeply engaging, community-driven arts projects.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

• International Collaborations – As a marker of their bold and bright future, Everybody NOW! are proud to embark on two new International, visual arts collaborations; ‘A Place to Belong’ with global design sensation Morag Myerscough (UK), and ‘Sky Ribbons’ with HOTA Home of the Arts as the Community Engagement partner.
• A year of Art Parties! – In a happy alignment with their own anniversary, Everybody NOW! have been commissioned to create birthday projects for 150 years of Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat Victoria, and 50 years of the Ipswich Civic Centre. Celebrating the vibrancy of community music these commissions bring together brass bands, choirs, concert musicians and musical theatre folks with beat-boxers, jazz players, First Nations artists, theremin’s, hip hop and pop for unlikely collaborators and memorable moments.
• Artist-In-Place – A new multi-year, place-centred residency program, embedding contemporary socially-engaged artists into neighbourhood and community centres on the Gold Coast.
• Creative and Connected – An artist-led workshop series carefully curated to generate social connection and wellbeing across visual arts, dance and writing.
• National Program – Continuing to grow their national reach Everybody NOW! will take their playful interactive families project Tin Can Radio, to Mackay, Adelaide and more destinations to be announced!

The 2025 program is a vibrant foundation for the future with new initiatives and relationships which allow us to reach more communities and create a pipeline of new Queensland work for years to come. The majority of our program will be primarily free or very low cost to participate in ensuring accessibility for all as it key to our values.

“We are proud of the profound impact our work has had on individuals and communities over the last ten years. We create ambitious, high-quality arts projects with real-world benefits, and as we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to deepening connections, amplifying new voices, and continuing to make art that matters,” said Everybody NOW!’s Chair, Donna Orazio

For more information on EVERYBODY NOW! visit www.everybodynow.com.au

The fifth program from Artistic Director Louise Bezzina invites audiences to experience the pinnacle of artistry with world premieres, Australian exclusives, Queensland commissions and Brisbane spotlights taking centre stage across 23 days.

Brisbane Festival’s 2024 program will unite, inspire and empower people across 1000+ performances staged in the city’s premier arts venues, unique landmarks and close-knit communities.

The eclectic and electrifying toast of Europe, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show, is a collision of fashion, music, pop culture, cabaret and art, strutting down the runway in South Bank Piazza for its exclusive Australian premiere season (30 August – 15 September).

Adding local flair to the revue-style party is Queensland Indigenous artist Grace Lillian Lee who travelled to Paris at the request of the international fashion icon to collaborate on a bespoke couture piece to debut in the show.

Lee, the creative force behind 2021’s debut First Nations Fashion: Walking In Two Worlds, will spearhead another world premiere, her debut solo exhibition in 2024, The Dream Weaver: Guardians of Grace (30 August – 21 September). A showcase of Lee’s stylistic fusion between contemporary art, traditional weaving techniques and couture fashion it will take you on an unparalleled ancestral journey.

Volcano (30 August – 15 September) is a never-before-seen hybrid production that plays out over four, 45-minute episodes and combines theatre and dance with a television sci-fi thriller.

With intermissions between each episode, Brisbane Powerhouse audiences are invited to “binge- watch” the Australian-first production that blurs the line between fact and fantasy.

The remarkable true story of Torres Strait Islander workers laying an astonishing 7km of railway track in a single day in 1968 is told in Straight from the Strait (28 -31 August), a world premiere opera co- produced with Opera Queensland and playing QPAC’s Playhouse.

Queensland-based Dancenorth Australia stages the global debut of its new work, Lighting the Dark (12 – 14 September), developed in collaboration with Chris Dyke, a dancer and emerging choreographer with Down Syndrome.

Inspired by Chris’s real-life heroes Banksy, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, Hero’s Journey illuminates Chris’s profoundly moving and life-affirming adventure through the world.

Also making their world premieres in 2024 are Trent Dalton’s Love Stories (10 – 29 September) at QPAC’s Playhouse and Fancy Long Legs (12 – 22 September) at La Boite Theatre.

Both are based on books by Brisbane authors – Dalton’s acclaimed anthology of true tales of love and a children’s book about inclusion, acceptance and belonging by tinsel and craft queen Rachel Burke – and their stage adaptations are uplifting and unpredictable.

Queensland premieres include Eucalyptus (4-5September), a new opera based on Murray Bail’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Eucalyptus; Gurr Era Op (11-14 September), a celebration of  Torres Strait Islander culture and a climate call-to-action; Restless Dance Theatre’s Private View (18 – 21 September), a raw and revelatory exploration of sexuality and disability; Kitchen Studio (30 August to 26 October), artist Elizabeth Winning’s recipe of food and art; and Queensland Theatre Company’s Dear Brother (7 – 28 September) Big Name, No Blankets (20 – 21 September) is a rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza, a celebration of Warumpi Band, the first Australian rock band to sing in Aboriginal languages.

Inspired by stories from founding member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, the Ilbijerri Theatre Company production plays two huge, unifying shows at QPAC Concert Hall.

Big Name, No Blankets is one of 14 First Nations-led productions that continues Brisbane Festival’s proud history of inviting Indigenous storytellers and artists to create and perform works of cultural and creative significance.

On opening weekend, Meeanjin Songlinez (1 September) invites everyone to celebrate and honour local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities and the extraordinary talent of Queensland’s First Nations artists.

Following the tremendous success of 2023’s Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale, Brisbane Festival will partner with Nova Sky Stories and Tribal Experiences to develop a dazzling drone show over the city’s iconic skyline, with Skylore – The Rainbow Serpent More than 400 drones will animate a spectacular First Nations story in a 3D multicolour show that celebrates culture and place across the Festival’s closing weekend (19 – 21 September).

All eyes are on the sky on Saturday 31 August when Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust returns to light up Brisbane in the city’s biggest and most-loved fireworks spectacular.

Also returning to light up the city is 2023’s smash-hit Lightscape (31 August – 12 October) with a completely reimagined illuminated trail of neon lights, technicolour installations and choreographed soundscapes through Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens.

All aboard The Art Boat (30 August – 21 September) when the travelling arts venue again sets sail from South Bank on a luxe new vessel with a stellar program of guest artists and performers.

Brisbane Festival is an event by and for Brisbane and so continues its strong tradition of programming free community works across the 23-day Festival.

The Festival’s 2024 communities program provides safe and creative spaces for people to connect in Brisbane’s neighbourhoods and is delivered in partnership with the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy.

Brisbane Serenades returns with a program of free mini-festivals and exquisitely curated musical experiences across Brisbane suburbs including Moorooka Block Party (7 September), Portside Serenades at Northshore, Brisbane (15 September), ), St Lucia Serenades (14 September) Pasifika Made at Kuraby (21 September), and Voices of Victoria Park (8 September).

Brisbane Festival 2024
30 August – 21 September 2024
Various locations around Brisbane
www.brisbanefestival.com.au

This year’s instalment of THREE features world-premieres from award-winning choreographer, Jenni Large, and leading multidisciplinary artist, Alisdair Macindoe, as well as an incredible solo work by independent dance maker, Amber McCartney.

In her first commission for ADC, acclaimed choreographer, Jenni Large, will be joined by long- time collaborator, Anna Whitaker, a composer with a palate for experimental, acousmatic works. Large’s work is described as a fusion of the personal, political, and transformational forces of embodiment.

One of Australia’s most exciting talents, Alisdair Macindoe, returns with a new commission and composition. Macindoe’s work spans performance and technology and his recent works explore themes such as automated dance, Artificial Intelligence, waste, climate change, and identity in the age of narcissism.

Brisbane will finally have the chance to see Amber McCartney’s highly acclaimed and provocative solo work, Tiny Infinite Deaths. Set to a pulsing, experimental soundtrack by Makeda Zucco, the work premiered at Melbourne’s RISING in 2023 to rave reviews. McCartney’s practice incorporates prosthetics, mask-making, film and practical special effects to create augmented bodies, unfamiliar to both performer and viewer.

The triple-bill will showcase the stunning versatility of the ADC dancers, with beloved Associate Company Artist, Tyrel Dulvarie, returning for the season.

ADC Artistic Director Amy Hollingsworth says she cannot wait to share this new collection of exceptional works with audiences.

“The curated THREE program gives audiences three unique offerings and personifies ADC’s commitment to presenting new and invigorating dance works,” said Hollingsworth

“The breadth of the triple bill featuring extraordinary Australian choreographers will not only showcase the range and versatility of the Collective’s dancers but will delight audiences.

“We all respond to art in different ways, and the gift of a varied program such as this, is that there really is something for everyone – from moments of awe and intrigue to introspection and joy.” she said

ADC’s THREE provides a platform for creative risk-taking, elevating a myriad of voices to produce new and invigorating art. Heralded as an experience which will “remind you what it feels like to be human – to be alive”, THREE 2024 is set to be just as extraordinary.

THREE
Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
20 – 23 March
www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (“Top of the Lake: China Girl”, “Rake”) plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh (“Moulin Rouge!” “Breath”, “Hacksaw Ridge”) portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and DeJonge (“The Visit”, “Stray Dolls”) plays Priscilla. Luke Bracey (“Hacksaw Ridge”, “Point Break”) plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett (“Hail, Caesar!”) plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham (“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, “Lion”, “300”) plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”, “The High Note”) plays B.B. King, Xavier Samuel (“Adore”, “Love & Friendship”, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) plays Scotty Moore, and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) plays Jimmie Rodgers Snow.

Also in the cast, Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things”, “The Broken Heart Gallery”) plays TV director Steve Binder, alongside Australian actors Leon Ford (“Gallipoli”, “The Pacific”) as Tom Diskin, Kate Mulvany (“The Great Gatsby”, “Hunters”) as Marion Keisker, Gareth Davies (“Peter Rabbit”, “Hunters”) as Bones Howe, Charles Grounds (“Crazy Rich Asians”, “Camp”) as Billy Smith, Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) as Sam Phillips, and Adam Dunn (“Home and Away”) as Bill Black.

To play additional iconic musical artists in the film, Luhrmann cast singer/songwriter Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, model Alton Mason as Little Richard, Austin, Texas native Gary Clark Jr. as Arthur Crudup, and artist Shonka Dukureh as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.

Oscar nominee Luhrmann (“The Great Gatsby”, “Moulin Rouge!”) directed from a screenplay by Baz Luhrmann & Sam Bromell and Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, story by Baz Luhrmann and Jeremy Doner. The film’s producers are Luhrmann, Oscar winner Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby”, “Moulin Rouge!”), Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss. Courtenay Valenti and Kevin McCormick executive produced.

The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Mandy Walker (“Mulan”, “Australia”), Oscar-winning production designer and costume designer Catherine Martin (“The Great Gatsby”, “Moulin Rouge!”), production designer Karen Murphy (“A Star Is Born”), editors Matt Villa (“The Great Gatsby”, “Australia”) and Jonathan Redmond (“The Great Gatsby”), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Thomas Wood (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), music supervisor Anton Monsted (“Australia”, “Moulin Rouge!”) and composer Elliott Wheeler (“The Get Down”).

Principal photography on “Elvis” took place in Queensland, Australia with the support of the Queensland Government, Screen Queensland and the Australian Government’s Producer Offset program.

A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, A Bazmark Production, A Jackal Group Production, A Baz Luhrmann Film, “Elvis” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in Australian cinemas on June 23, 2022.
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Buster (Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey) and his cast have turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City.

But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother pig Rosita (Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon), rocker porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest gorilla Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy elephant Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, porcine provocateur extraordinaire Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by a ruthless mogul wolf named Jimmy Crystal (Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale).

In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter spontaneously pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star lion rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife and hasn’t been seen since.

As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage. What begins as Buster’s dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal even the most broken heart.

Sing 2 is written and directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Garth Jennings and features, in addition to Bono’s and Cannavale’s roles, new characters played by music superstars Pharrell Williams and Halsey, Black Panther’s Letitia Wright, and comedians Eric Andre and Chelsea Peretti.

The film is produced by visionary Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Janet Healy. Sing 2 combines dozens of classic rock and pop hit songs, electrifying performances, breathtaking artistry, and Illumination’s signature humor and heart into the definitive feel-good cinematic event of the year.

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Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was never seen and largely forgotten–until now.

SUMMER OF SOUL shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and more.

“Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised),” is the first official project under the recently announced Onyx Collective brand. The winner

Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised) will be released in Australian cinemas Septembr 2!
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The heights in the title are Washington Heights a largely Dominican neighborhood in New York City and the main protagonist is Usnavi de la Vega (Anthony Ramos) the owner of a local bodega. He is a pillar of the community and dreams of a better life while saving money to move back to the Dominican Republic to revive his late father’s seaside establishment.

The neighbourhood is filled with colourful characters and in a departure from reality, never a harsh word is spoken, even the men in blue are friendly. It’s a large ensemble cast and many storylines intertwine throughout the film’s generous 143 minute running time. Some are more interesting than others but the ebullient momentum of the song and dance keeps things entertaining.

File this one under the title of “They don’t make them like that anymore” and its verve and energy is relentless and impressive. From big dance numbers that provide a nod towards the extravaganzas of Busby Berkeley to the more intimate one on one moments, the energy never lapses. You have to love a movie that has a credit list of dancers almost as long as the list of animators on a Marvel film.

Rob Hudson
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Along the way, they have helped to invent numerous musical styles that other bands have used to find great financial success while the Mael brothers, Ron and Russell have experienced no real sustained financial or popularity benefit. Their change styles at will approach have made them outsiders but influential to other members of the musical community with both the press and their peers taking a closer look.

With their sustained creative efforts over the years (25 albums and counting) and a visual sense that often bordered on the absurd, they are still best known for brother Ron’s Hitler moustache and expressionless stage presence. This film goes a long way to proving that there is real flesh under those skinny skin and bones.

If nothing else The Sparks Brothers prove that few directors have a better feel with music in film than Edgar Wright. His previous work with Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World help to support this hypothesis. It’s wonderful that he got to sprinkle some of his magic dust on a musical act so deserving of his and our attention.
Rob Hudson

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Anna is a bit of an enigma as she has the pieces of modern-day life that most would be satisfied with. A home, job, understanding husband, and precocious young child. Her centre is just slightly askew. Her job as a violin teacher at a Conservatoire gives her little confidence or pleasure.

When she comes into contact with a young student Alexander (Ilja Monti) she sees things in him that others don’t. Her obsession comes to full fruition and in so doing, she alienates all those around her including Alexander. The film presents these activities with little principled opinion and evil actions often have seemingly few consequences. You have to find a place in your own morality for this film’s message.
Rob Hudson

Presented by Palace, the German Film Festival will screen the best new films from Germany showcasing Festival favourites, works of auteurs and the best new talent.

This year’s programme, presented in association with German Films, will screen from 25 May – 20 June at Palace Cinemas across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide.

The Audition is playing in Brisbane as part of the German Film Festival:

PALACE JAMES ST
Wednesday 2, June 1:15 PM
Saturday 5, June 5:15 PM
Friday 11, June 8:10 PM
Monday 14, June 11:00 AM

PALACE BARRACKS
Thursday 3, June 4:20 PM
Monday 7, June 11:00 AM
Wednesday 16, June 7:00 PM
Sunday 20, June 11:00 AM
www.germanfilmfestival.com.au

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

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