Local Talent Shines as 2025 Get Your Arts Into Gear Award Nominees Announced

The region’s vibrant arts community is gearing up for one of its biggest celebrations of the year, with the nominees for the 2025 Get Your Arts Into Gear Awards officially unveiled. Local artists across visual art, performance, literature and community engagement are being recognised for their outstanding achievements over the past year.

What started as a light-hearted segment last year has now turned into a full celebration of all Ipswich artists, with the awards growing rapidly in size, reach and community support.

This year’s winners will be revealed on 13 December 2025, with the ceremony to be live-streamed on YouTube, allowing the whole community to join in.

West Bremer Radio & Media Director Bradley Clarke said the evolution of the awards has been inspiring.
“Every year we’re blown away by the creativity and passion shown by our local artists,” Clarke said. “These nominations prove just how strong the arts scene is across Ipswich and the wider region. It’s an honour to help showcase the incredible work being produced.”

Glen Smith from Artsconnect praised the diversity and strength of the nominees.
“The talent we have here is extraordinary,” Smith said. “From theatre to literature, music to community engagement, these artists are telling important stories and bringing people together. The 2025 nominees truly reflect the heartbeat of our local arts community.”

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FULL LIST OF NOMINEES – 2025 GET YOUR ARTS INTO GEAR AWARDS

Best Musical

1. Swich Up Productions – Jekyll and Hyde
2. Ipswich Musical Theatre Company – Come From Away
3. Blackstone Cambrian Choir – Pass the Remote
4. Orpheus Choral – Lights Camera Sing
5. Ipswich Musical Theatre Company – A Little Night Music

Best Comedy

1. Ipswich Little Theatre – Secret Bridesmaid Business
2. Ipswich Little Theatre – Waiting for God
3. Ipswich Little Theatre – Santa Santa! Where Are You?

Best Drama

1. Ipswich Little Theatre – Popcorn
2. Crossfyer Players – The Female of the Species
3. Ipswich Little Theatre – The Perfect Murder

Best Music Creator

1. Damien J Johnson – Song: One Hill Town
2. Sophie Alexander – Song: Mel and Luca
3. Stelle – Song: Have To Get Older
4. Steve Mondel – Song: Long Haul Flights
5. East of West – Song: Pastorale
6. Ipswich Live Music – Live Shows around Ipswich

Best Literature

1. Don Hill – Sounds Like Rain
2. Toni Risson – Crow
3. Lawrey Goodrick – Half Life
4. Arthur Frame – The Arts Juggler

Best Community Art Exhibition/Competition

1. Ipsari – Just the Tonic 2
2. Arttime Gallery & Fine Art Supplies – Colour Challenge
3. Arttime Gallery & Fine Art Supplies – Decked
4. Artsalive – Reflections
5. Ipswich Climate Action Group – Sustainability Awards
6. Artsconnect – Off the Wall
7. U3A – Photography and Art
8. Ipsari – Lost Trades
9. The Great Marburg Bake Off – Let Them ART Cake

Best Solo Art Exhibition

1. Mark George – Thank You Ipswich
2. Rhiannon Hetherington – If She Spoke
3. Kylie Stevens – Flood Lines
4. Sharon McKenzie – Exquisite Corpse

Best Community Group Using Art as a Tool for Advocating

1. Bremer Catchment Group – Bremer Catchment Art Show and Exhibition
2. Ipswich Climate Action Group – Trashon Parade
3. Ipswich Climate Action Group – Mel and Luca

Special Awards

1. Ipswich Little Theatre – One Act Plays
2. Booval Fair
3. Ipswich Show Society
4. Creative Hearts Co