Page 35 - Tropic Magazine Issue 15

TROPIC • COVER STORY

Q&A
Stephen Foster
Manager, Cultural Services at
Cairns Regional Council

How does your team decide the type of
shows and programming for CPAC? in cultural, social and educational
The key focus in terms of programming benefits. Celebrate the opening of
is to get the right mix between some Despite that recommendation being
of the best acts from around the world, made more than 16 years ago, nothing CPAC
across Australia and in Queensland happened. Instead, the ensuing period
along with a range of local talent like the was peppered with intense debate For the first time ever, Florence Street
sensational production of Wicked by the about the location, scope and cost of a will be closed between Munro Martin
Cairns Choral Society. We want Cairns new performing arts centre for the city. Parklands and the brand new Cairns
audiences to experience a smorgasbord Performing Arts Centre for a significant
of shows. moment in the history of our community.
NEW ERA Nothing beats celebrating with friends,
Tell us about some of the acts already good food and refreshing drinks so
booked to perform at CPAC. The new CPAC began taking shape in come along and celebrate the opening
There’s already such an amazing array 2015 when Cairns Regional Council of CPAC with TropicNow’s much-loved
of shows booked in the space, such as released its vision for an arts precinct foodie event Meet Eat Repeat. Enjoy
much-loved favourite Bangarra Dance encompassing the former civic an extensive range of gastronomical
Theatre, we’ve got Wicked by the Cairns theatre site, a revitalised Florence St delights from pop-up stalls by local
Choral Society of course with one of and the redeveloped Munro Martin restaurants and food vans in foodie
their more contemporary shows which Parklands, which opened to the public heaven on Florence St. There is a
will be sure to win them new audiences. in August 2016. Lobbying for funding licensed bar, free entertainment and it’s
I think people will really love the Katie contributions from the State and free entry so come along and enjoy all
Noonan’s jazz trio Elixir collaborating with Federal Governments were hard fought the good vibes. Then continue to indulge
legendary cartoonist Michael Leunig, but eventually proved successful, with the senses in Munro Martin Parklands at
and comedy is back in a big way with a construction beginning in early 2016 the free music event, Jazz under the Jade
plethora shows such as Kitty Flanagan, by lead contractor FKG Group based Vines, featuring multi-instrumentalist,
Judith Lucy and Denise Scott and Lano on architectural designs by Cox Rayner composer and arranger James Morrison
and Woodley. That’s just a small taste of and CA Architects. alongside vocalist Hetty Kate and local
what’s to come in the new space. Finally, 44 years after the city’s first youth brass band with support from
civic centre was opened, a brilliant some of our finest local bands.
What time of lead time does your new era will begin on December 15
team work towards when it comes to when the Cairns Performing Arts
programming? Centre is officially opened with a gala
To secure the types of international celebration stretching from CPAC
and national acts we’re working on, across Florence St to the magnificent
there’s a very long lead time. In fact Munro Martin Parklands. Tropic’s very
the 2019 program is pretty much own Meet Eat Repeat will be part of
locked away and we’re already working the fun on opening night, with some
on the 2020 program. of our favourite food stalls serving up

35 • tropicnow.com.au