This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Crossroad Arts. Based in Mackay, for nearly three decades, Crossroad Arts has been at the forefront of inclusive arts practice in regional Queensland, driving change and championing accessibility for people with disability and those who are d/Deaf.

“For 28 years, Crossroad Arts has been a facilitator of inclusive community-engaged arts practice in regional Queensland. We strive to enact change through action in order to achieve our vision of Arts for All, with a primary focus on people with disability and people who are d/Deaf,” said Artistic Director and CEO, Autumn Skuthorpe.

Crossroad Arts operates under two main pillars: Artistic Development and Connecting Communities. Through skills-based training, professional mentorship, new productions, exhibitions and national partnerships, the organisation fosters artistic growth while simultaneously improving the physical and mental well-being of participants.

One in five Queenslanders live with a disability, and many face systemic barriers preventing their participation in the arts. Crossroad Arts works to remove these obstacles, creating safe and inclusive environments for engagement.

“We don’t label or require people to identify with a particular lived experience – our focus is on removing barriers to ensure everyone can participate,” Autumn said.

A key focus for Crossroad Arts is its disability-led model. The organisation has an Inclusive Arts Advisory Group and key artists who lead its creative vision. It also provides paid employment opportunities, professional development and pathways into the arts sector.

Crossroad Arts is one of the largest employers of local artists in the region and is committed to training and mentoring arts workers in inclusive methodologies. The organisation is also restructuring to ensure more than 50% of staff and employed artists identify as having a disability or are d/Deaf.

“Crossroad Arts creates opportunities for everyone. They take away the barriers we often face in life as people with disability and allow us to shine through the art we passionately create,” said Charlee Presland, Artist in Residence.

Beyond artistic development, the organisation plays a vital role in advocacy, ensuring accessible creative experiences and building the audiences of the future. Through free and subsidised programs, as well as engagement with service providers, Crossroad Arts remains committed to creating real and lasting change.

Crossroad Arts works with people of all ages and from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, adopting an intersectional approach. The organisation provides opportunities for those who might “slip through the cracks,” including emerging artists who are looking for professional development.

Crossroad Arts has been selected as this month’s Coalface Community Gift recipient, but this contribution will go even further thanks to Creative Partnership Australia’s Plus1 program, which matches donations dollar-for-dollar.

“A $500 donation will actually turn into $1000, which is incredible for us,” said Autumn.

“All funds raised will go directly towards three key areas: access (such as Auslan interpreters and artist support fees), production (creative development and touring costs), and community (workshop scholarships and leadership pathways).”

As a not-for-profit and registered charity, every dollar counts in sustaining and expanding the impact of Crossroad Arts. The organisation relies heavily on competitive local, state, federal, and philanthropic funding. Grant applications are a significant part of its operations, and community support through donations and sponsorships is crucial in ensuring long-term program sustainability.

Beyond financial contributions, there are many ways to support Crossroad Arts. Whether it’s attending workshops, events, or fundraisers, joining as a stage crew member, technician, performer, or arts worker, or volunteering, every contribution helps create an accessible and inclusive arts community.

The late Brenden Borellini, an Artist in Residence and Ambassador at Crossroad Arts, captured the essence of the organisation’s mission:

“Being a disabled person who makes theatre and creative decisions is very important to me. We should be able to share our stories and create whatever kind of art we want. I think artists with disability should have the right to make their own decisions about theatre.

“The future of artists with disability should be included in all parts of the arts. That way, people can gain an understanding about us as human beings and understand what we have to say. This is important for the disabled community, but also for the wider community as well.”

Crossroad Arts will soon launch its Artistic Program on March 20 and is set to host a B2B Chamber of Commerce morning catch-up on April 15, where businesses and community members can meet artists and learn more about the programs. www.crossroadarts.com.au

Image credit: Keeara and Reece Photography.