2024 Brisbane Anywhere Festival delivers “exactly what’s needed” during a cost of living crisis.

Monday 5 August 2024

2024 Anywhere Festival Thrives Amidst Cost of Living Crisis, Bringing Unique Experiences to Brisbane

The 2024 Anywhere Festival has concluded on high note, delivering a diverse array of performances across Brisbane from July 19 to August 4.

As Australia faces a cost-of-living crisis, the festival not only provided affordable entertainment to audiences but also used its unique model so that artists earn from their work by using found spaces.

Audiences were treated to 201 performances in unconventional spaces, including the backyards of suburban homes, the Brisbane Planetarium, Archerfield Airport, and the historic Taubman’s Paint Factory. This year, 80% of the shows—48 out of 60—were world premieres, underscoring the festival’s commitment to fresh, innovative content. 

“Amidst a challenging economic climate where many festivals are scaling back or closing, Anywhere Festival stands out as a beacon of sustainability,” said Paul Osuch, Founder of Anywhere Festival.

The 594 performance makers participating in the festival saw on average 12% increase in earnings across the festival with the same number of shows. The festival’s unique model that brokers relationships between performers with shows and residential, business and government properties to host for no or little rent, has proven to be a successful blueprint.

“The success of this year’s festival demonstrates the power of community support and innovative thinking,” said Paul. “At a time when other festivals are struggling to stay afloat, we’ve shown that it’s possible to thrive by doing things differently. Our artists are making money instead of losing money as they more often do in fringe festivals, our audiences are discovering new places in their city, communities are connecting and we’re doing it all without the heavy reliance on government funding that many in the industry have.”

The festival saw a 48% increase in reviews from Brisbane-based and national critics, indicating growing recognition of the quality and significance of the works presented. In addition, 65 industry professionals attended shows, considering future presentations of Anywhere Festival works or new projects by the performance makers involved.

The festival featured many voices, from a majority of female led productions, youth to over 50+ and a strong focus on accessibility, including from Screech Arts, part of CPL – Choice, Passion, Life, a disability support organisation that works with people with disability to live the life they choose.

“We love the accessibility of this festival for our up-and-coming artists in a community arts group. There is such value of the professional development our artists are able to gain being part of a professional festival, working alongside industry professionals and networking opportunities.”, Martine Cross, Screech Arts

Community involvement was key to the festival’s success, with 246 individuals donating amounts ranging from $2 and upwards. The festival’s innovative use of spaces—from rent-free venues like private homes and yoga studios to reduced rates at independent performance spaces—played a crucial role in making this year’s event possible. Equipment, including lighting, sound, and chairs, was provided through a successful Gambling Community Benefit Fund application, making it possible to provide resources for many participant artists they would ordinarily source themselves.

Paul Osuch highlighted the value the festival brings to Queensland taxpayers and Brisbane ratepayers:

“With only 4.6% of our budget coming from government funding – an amount that has remained unchanged since 2012 – and 2.3% from council, which is a fraction of most funded events, it demonstrates the strength and adaptability of the Anywhere model, that used this to leverage $1.3m of support from 127 partners during these challenging times.”

As the festival continues to evolve as Brisbane’s globally unique performing arts festival in the lead up to the Olympics in 2032 , its success serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Brisbane’s artistic community.

For more information, please contact Anywhere Festival Founder Paul Osuch on justaskus @ anywhere.is or 0430 015 488

Anywhere Festival is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Brisbane City Council.