Expansion of Matilda Awards Regional Coverage
A key priority for 2026 and onwards for the Matilda Awards is to expand the assessment and recognition of performing arts produced in regional Queensland. The Executive Committee and Judging Panel is affirming their commitment to ensuring that high-quality work across the entire state is valued and represented.
Each year, the Judging Panel will plan for approximately ten regional visits to regional Queensland locations, within budget allocations. Visits will be planned to optimise artistic assessment of works created in regional Queensland, while remaining within approved budget allocations.
Planning will occur in consultation with regional arts companies and festivals to best align with premiere seasons, festivals, or touring schedules. The selected visits will be scheduled to ensure a balance of geographic regions and a diversity of theatre works, allowing judges to assess productions live, support regional arts companies, and maximise the number of performances viewed efficiently.
Judges based in southeast Queensland may self-nominate to participate in regional travel opportunities to see live performances.
NUMBER OF JUDGES
In line with current custom and practice, a minimum of two judges will attend a live production in a regional area. Ideally, this could include two judges from Brisbane or one Brisbane judge and an identified regional judge from the location, with potentially a video recording made available for other judges to view
A video recording from the company can be provided for viewing by other judges
REGIONALLY-BASED JUDGES
Complementing visits by Brisbane-based judges to see regional productions, regionally based professional artists and arts workers will be identified as regional judges to broaden engagement and perspective.
Initially, three regionally-based judges will be appointed, selected for their professional standing and experience across creative and/or technical areas of the performing arts.
Regional works have unique qualities shaped outside metropolitan centres, and appointing regional judges will ensure these are fully understood and appreciated.
Regional Judges will contribute to the process by:
• Bringing deep expertise and firsthand knowledge of their local arts communities.
• Providing valuable context on the history, practices, and nuances of regional artists, companies, and productions.
• Ensuring the unique qualities of work created outside metropolitan centres are fully understood and appreciated.
• Offering insights and advice that help the panel make more informed and equitable decisions.
APPOINTMENT
Regional Queensland arts practitioners will be invited to nominate through an open and transparent Expression of Interest (EOI) process designed to ensure representation and expertise. Nominations will be assessed against selection criteria aligned to those used for existing Matilda Award judge appointments, ensuring consistency and fairness. The process will prioritise professional experience, knowledge of performing arts, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting regional practice.
Once appointed, the selected judges will contribute actively to the judging process, bringing valuable regional perspectives and insight to the panel’s deliberations.
Regional Judges will be encouraged to attend southeast Queensland productions when possible, and will be included via video conference to participate in the regular judging panel discussions about productions recently viewed. Where videos are submitted by arts companies, regional judges will have the opportunity to view these and contribute their views during the judging process.
This approach is designed to ensure regional expertise informs adjudication while providing professional growth and networking opportunities for regional professional artists and arts workers.
The Executive committee will implement its strategy to engage and consult regional arts partners including DARTS and RASN (both administered by JUTE Theatre Company), Stage Queensland, QTouring as well as theatre producers.
TIMELINE AND SELECTION PROCESS
Mid-April / mid-May: Commence regional judge recruitment through regional networks, including:
o DARTS cohort
o RASN client base
o AQ networks
o Regional universities
o Regional venues
o Individual prospects
June: Selection
July: Regional judge commencement
EXPENSES FOR REGIONAL JUDGES
All Matilda Awards Judges volunteer their time. Travel allocation per regional judge is $1,200 (ex GST).
Regional judges can claim against this budget for two visits to Brisbane per calendar year. Timing and duration of Brisbane trips can be flexible to fit with other work or social opportunities judges may identify.
Each judge should make their own booking arrangements for travel and accommodation
Visits to other regional locations may also be subsidised subject to available budget
For acquittal purposes each regional judge should keep a record of travel expenses and share with the Matilda’s Chair (nigel@momentumarts.com.au) on request
Regional judges may also offer skills exchange services through RASN as appropriate (this idea is in development)
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Please email Lead Judge pauldellitoam@gmail.com, submitting: A short resume (2 pages max) and Your EOI outlining your interest in becoming a Regional Judge, including indicative availability to travel
Closing Date :Monday May 18th 5pm
FURTHER ENQUIRIES
Please contact Paul Dellit by email with any questions.