One of Fortitude Valley’s best-known arts venues has entered a new phase after a $10-million refurbishment that has transformed the Judith Wright Arts Centre into a larger and more accessible home for Queensland’s creative community.
Located on Brunswick Street, the centre has long been part of the Valley’s cultural identity. Artists, performers and audiences have gathered there for decades, making it a familiar landmark alongside the suburb’s live music venues, galleries and hospitality scene.
The recent works have expanded rehearsal and studio facilities, improved accessibility and modernised workspaces, giving resident arts organisations more room to create while helping secure the centre’s place as one of Brisbane’s leading performing arts hubs.
More creative space inside one of the Valley’s best-known buildings
Before the refurbishment, the Judith Wright Arts Centre had three rehearsal studios. It now has eight dedicated creative spaces, giving artists and organisations much greater flexibility to rehearse, develop new productions and host workshops.
The project also introduced new meeting rooms, collaboration areas and upgraded office facilities. Accessibility improvements have been made throughout the building, alongside new security and building services designed to support the centre’s daily operations.
While many visitors will notice the refreshed interiors, the redevelopment has also focused on making the venue more practical for the creative organisations that use it every day.
The centre remains a heritage-listed building, with the upgrades designed to improve functionality while preserving its distinctive character.
The organisations that help shape Queensland’s performing arts
The Judith Wright Arts Centre is far more than a performance venue. It serves as a permanent home for several of Queensland’s leading arts organisations, many of which produce work seen across Australia and overseas.
Among the resident organisations are Circa, one of the country’s best-known contemporary circus companies; the Australasian Dance Collective; the Institute of Modern Art; BlakDance; Musica Viva Australia; the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts; and The Little Red Company.
These organisations support performers, dancers, musicians, directors, designers and technicians throughout the year. Many also run education programs, workshops and community activities that connect emerging artists with established professionals.
A stronger creative hub brings more life to Brunswick Street
The Judith Wright Arts Centre has helped shape the Valley’s identity as Brisbane’s creative district since it began operating as an arts venue in the 1990s. Alongside nearby music venues, galleries and independent businesses, it contributes to the suburb’s reputation as a place where creativity is part of everyday life.
The expanded facilities are expected to support more rehearsals, creative development and industry events, bringing additional visitors into the precinct throughout the year. More activity at the centre can mean more customers visiting nearby cafés, restaurants, bars and retailers throughout the week.
Preparing one of Brisbane’s cultural landmarks for the future
The refurbishment comes as Brisbane continues investing in cultural facilities ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Rather than changing the centre’s purpose, the project strengthens its ability to support artists over the coming decades. The upgraded facilities are intended to meet growing demand from resident organisations while providing a better experience for visiting performers, creative teams and community groups.
Bookings have resumed for the upgraded spaces, allowing organisations to begin using the expanded facilities for rehearsals, meetings and creative development.
Published 25-June-2026
