If you have driven past the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) over the last few years, amidst the traffic works also taking place for the Brisbane Metro which often left you outside the performing arts complex for an extended time, you will have seen that QPAC is expanding with a fifth performing arts theatre set to open in the near future.
Arts Queensland has opened a new survey website, inviting members of the Queensland public to vote for either one of four pre-selected venue names (Glasshouse Theatre, Lantern Theatre, Russell Street Theatre, Watershed Theatre). Alternatively, if you are like me and don’t feel that these names properly reflect the naming convention set by the other four theatres (Lyric, Concert, Cremorne and Playhouse) – you can also put forward your own suggestion for consideration – even if I imagine that one of the four provided names will be the option of choice.
Arts Queensland has provided the following guidance on how they are looking at determining the name:
Naming guidance
Key considerations for the name of the theatre are below. The name:
- is easy to remember and spell
- reflects a connection to place and to Queensland
- highlights the theatre’s iconic nature and its important role in growing Queensland’s arts and cultural scene
- reflects the design, location or purpose of the new theatre
- complements the names of the other QPAC venues (Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Cremorne Theatre, Playhouse)
- is not offensive or harmful to individuals or groups in the community
- could reference a person who:
- has achieved outstanding success or made a significant contribution to the arts sector or the community more broadly
- has a notable connection to the theatre or Queensland’s performing arts sector
- is widely known and respected within the broader community
- is not too long (given it will be used on signage)
If you are interested in participating, you can visit the Arts Queensland’s Help Name the New Theatre website. Submissions close a month from now at 5pm on Saturday 10 May 2025.
