Pathfinders 2025: Supporting the Next Generation of Queensland Producers
2/04/2026
In March, ten emerging and early-career independent producers from across Queensland gathered in Magandjin/Brisbane for the inaugural Pathfinders: Independent Producers Bootcamp, an intensive five-day professional development program designed to strengthen the future of Queensland touring.
Across the week, participants explored the fundamentals of independent producing through workshops, industry conversations, cultural experiences and peer-to-peer learning, gaining practical skills while building a network of collaborators that will support their careers for years to come.
Pathfinders began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Sandra King, followed by a welcome dinner where participants met one another and began forming the relationships that would become a defining feature of the week.
The first full day at Brisbane Powerhouse focused on understanding the role of the producer and the broader touring ecosystem. Participants heard from experienced industry leaders Christa Powell (Topology Music), Kate Malone (Cluster Arts), Phoebe Meredith (Brisbane Powerhouse), Bradley Chatfield (QPAC) and Alice Jones (QMF), exploring everything from the realities of producing to the expectations of presenters and venues. The Pathfinders were joined in discussion with Isabel Hart and Michael Hardgrave (Brisbane Powerhouse) about how to communicate effectively with venues and how to prepare show documentation that speaks the same language as programmers and technical teams.
At PIP Theatre, the focus shifted to the practical tools producers need to get work on the road. Sessions covered budgeting, fundraising, project planning and the art of pitching, led by industry professionals including Deidre Grace (PIP Theatre), Nathan Sibthorpe (Counterpilot), Clint Bolster (Clown + Creative Producer) and Tom Oliver (Wynnum Fringe).
Participants were challenged to articulate why their work matters, identify what makes it distinctive and communicate its value to presenters, investors and funding bodies. The sessions encouraged producers to think critically about audience engagement, touring viability and the importance of understanding who a work is for.
We got some great perspective about what presenters are looking at and what they consider when they're looking at shows and working with independent artists today. What audiences in the regions in Queensland want and how to design content to really take things to them that they want to see.
Heru Pinkasova
Pathfinder
One of the most impactful experiences of the week saw participants travel to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) for a day of cultural learning and exchange. The program included a yarning session with Dale Ruska, a cultural exchange and lunch hosted by Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation, and a cultural history walk on Country.
The experience encouraged participants to reflect on the relationship between storytelling, community and place, and the importance of creating work with communities rather than simply for them.
Stories would lack a lot if there was zero community involvement. Being a part of the community, for the community, by the community, it's powerful.
Jalen Sutcliffe
Pathfinder
QTouring designed Pathfinders in response to a growing need for independent producers across Queensland, particularly in regional communities where access to experienced producers can be limited. The program aims to build a network of skilled producers who can support artists, develop touring opportunities and strengthen the state's creative ecosystem.
For the inaugural cohort, the friendships and professional relationships formed during the intensive may prove to be its most lasting legacy.
The final of Pathfinders day brought participants back together for reflection, discussion and future planning. Conversations with Moale James (Independent Creative Producer), Aleea Monsour (BEMAC), hosted by Ari Palani (Queensland Theatre Company) explored intercultural practice, community engagement and the realities of sustaining a career in the arts.
Throughout the week, Pathfinders participants not only learned from some of Queensland’s leading arts professionals, but experienced the sector firsthand. The cohort went behind the scenes at Brisbane Powerhouse, PIP Theatre and the QUAMPI Arts and Culture Centre, gaining insight into the diverse venues and organisations that support touring across the state. Participants also visited GOMA to experience Presence by Olafur Eliasson before concluding the week with a live performance, choosing between Queensland Theatre’s Torch the Place and Maoli as part of QPAC’s On The Banks series.
Beyond the formal program, shared meals created opportunities for meaningful conversations with independent producers Timothy Wynn, Kian Dillon and Nicholas Southey, who generously shared their experiences, challenges and lessons from working across the sector.
The amount that I've learned just from this week has been so helpful and will continue to help me throughout my entire career.
Cherish Zimmerle
Pathfinder
QTouring designed Pathfinders in response to a growing need for independent producers across Queensland, particularly in regional communities where access to experienced producers can be limited. The program aims to build a network of skilled producers who can support artists, develop touring opportunities and strengthen the state's creative ecosystem.
For the inaugural cohort, the friendships and professional relationships formed during the intensive may prove to be its most lasting legacy.
Thank you to all of our guest industry speakers, hosts, partner venues and facilitators for making the week of sessions and workshops possible.
