Meet the creative leaders in this year’s 40 Under 40
Queensland’s arts scene is in good shape with these young creative minds leading the way.
Dave Sleswick
The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre: Creative Director
If you’ve caught a big-name music act as their tour passed through Brisbane, there’s a good chance that you saw them perform at either The Tivoli or The Princess Theatre. Dave Sleswick, 38, is one of the brains behind the heritage-listed music institutions, which accommodate 190,000 guests attending more than 345 events each year. In addition to hosting shows from major label artists, Dave’s venues are also vital outlets for local musicians, as well as circus, cabaret, comedy and theatre performances, helping nurture the creative spirit of the arts community.
Dave and his team have a strong commitment to presenting works from culturally, linguistically, and physically diverse communities, using both venues to support organisations such as the Open Doors Youth Service and Blak Social.
One rule you live your life by?
Be yourself, as fully and as authentically as you can.
Courtney Stewart
La Boite Theatre: Artistic Director and CEO
In her position at the helm of Australia’s oldest professional theatre company, Courtney Stewart, 34, is chiefly responsible for developing and delivering La Boite’s groundbreaking and envelope-pushing productions. In the seven years prior to her tenure, Courtney developed more than 25 new Australian works, the majority of which were crafted by writers from diasporic backgrounds. Championing work from emerging talent and diverse voices, Courtney’s mandate to “uncover and reveal untold stories from the voices of the oppressed and underprivileged” will ensure that La Boite will continue to foster strong connections between the arts and the community, and remain one of the country’s best sources of thought-provoking theatre for years to come.
What album or musician have you consistently listened to the longest?
Mama’s Gun by Erykah Badu
Emma Dean
Emma Dean: Managing Director, Cheep Trill: Creative Director
An internationally acclaimed musician, performer, writer, composer and arranger, Emma Dean, 39, is a multi-talented individual whose very essence is intertwined with creativity. With a discography that includes ten independent EPs, albums and soundtracks (as well as music penned for the globally beloved TV show, Bluey), and a performance career that has taken her from Off-Broadway stages to the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, Emma has achieved goals that many creatives dream of. With colourful community choir Cheep Trill, Emma has created a safe space for people to come and explore their own creativity without judgement.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Go in the direction of happiness.
Jed Dawson
Screen Queensland: Head of Games
When it comes to the gaming industry, Jed Dawson, 34, has seen and done it all. After launching several innovative game titles to critical acclaim, Jed joined Screen Queensland to help nurture the emerging potential of games development locally and “forge Queensland into a global powerhouse”. Jed has helped establish support programs and secure funding for games developers, with Screen Queensland’s 15% Digital Games Incentive becoming the most competitive offering of any state agency in Australia. These initiatives have resulted in the establishment of new major studio operations in Queensland, while also helping create new entry-level positions and access wider investment through seed funding programs. Jed, in partnership with Workforce Australia, has also helped establish the Games Residency – the first games business and talent development program of its kind in Australia.
A meal or food item that changed your life?
Pepperoni pizza has and continues to define me.
Naomi Price
The Little Red Company: Artistic Director and Co-Founder
The little independent production house that could, The Little Red Company – founded by Naomi Price, 39, and fellow 40 Under 40 award recipient Adam Brunes – has produced a broad catalogue of critically acclaimed original works since 2012. Its music-driven theatrical experiences have been enjoyed by more than 2.5 million people since the company’s inception, including over one million views for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols. The IsoLate Late Show, a weekly live music and variety show established at the height of pandemic lockdowns, was live-streamed to 350,000 unique viewers over a ten-week period, helping Little Red grow in the face of industry-wide devastation. In the next two years, The Little Red Theatre Company is projected to generate more than $3.6 million in income for artists, creatives, crew and arts management through the creation of new unique music-driven theatrical experiences and corporate events.
