Thomas Dixon Centre Archives

West End Hosts BrisAsia Festival Performances And Exhibitions

The BrisAsia Festival will deliver a series of scheduled performances, exhibitions and ticketed events in West End, with the Thomas Dixon Centre confirmed as a key festival venue.

Festival Context And Return

BrisAsia Festival will return in February 2026 as Brisbane’s annual Lunar New Year celebration focused on Asian culture, cuisine, art and music. The 2026 edition marks the festival’s 14th year and aligns with the Year of the Horse.

The festival program spans multiple suburbs, with West End identified as one of the core locations hosting programmed events.

West End Programming At Thomas Dixon Centre

All confirmed BrisAsia Festival activity in West End will take place at the Thomas Dixon Centre, positioning the venue as a dedicated performance and exhibition hub.

Events at the centre range from free, all-ages exhibitions to ticketed evening performances, reinforcing a venue-based model rather than suburb-wide activations.

Exhibitions And Daytime Access

The exhibition Thresholds & Memories: Lois Kim & Hannah Seong will run from Friday 23 January to Monday 23 February 2026. The exhibition is free to attend and open daily, with extended weekday hours.

The exhibition features photography, installation and painting and is presented as part of the BrisAsia Festival program.

K-Pop Dance And Showcase

The ON:STAGE KPOP Showcase is scheduled for Saturday 14 February 2026 and brings together Brisbane and Queensland-based K-pop dance crews for two sessions at the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.

The showcase features high-energy dance covers, original choreography and staged performances, highlighting the growing influence of Korean pop culture in Australia. The event is open to all ages, with tickets priced from $20.

Thomas Dixon Centre — *Photo Credit: BCC*

BOOK NOW

Lunar Soul Party At Kite Terrace

A separate ticketed event, Lunar Soul Party, will take place on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at the Kite Terrace. The event is restricted to guests aged 18 years and over and is priced at $130.

The event combines live music and DJ-led performances, featuring neo-soul, hip hop and Chinese opera vocals supported by live instrumentalists. The event pairs the music program with pan-Asian food and drinks as part of the BrisAsia Festival’s Lunar New Year celebrations.

BOOK NOW

West End’s Role In The Broader Festival

Compared with other festival locations, West End’s contribution is concentrated within a single venue. Programming at the Thomas Dixon Centre focuses on indoor performances, exhibitions and curated night events.

This approach distinguishes West End from outdoor and street-based festival locations elsewhere in the city.

Looking Ahead

BrisAsia Festival events in West End will run alongside programming in other Brisbane suburbs between 13 and 22 February 2026, with selected events extending beyond those dates. Bookings are required for most West End performances.

Published 21-Jan-2026

Queensland Ballet’s Newborn Giants Brings Innovation to Thomas Dixon Centre

Photo Credit: Queensland Ballet/Facebook

A groundbreaking new dance performance is turning heads at Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre, where Queensland Ballet is staging Newborn Giants, a bold and boundary-pushing piece that brings the lived experience of blindness into the heart of choreography.

Reimagining How Dance Can Be Felt

Newborn Giants, running from 31 July to 9 August at the Talbot Theatre, is a 25-minute ensemble work created by Canadian choreographer Robert Binet in collaboration with blind academic and theatre artist Devon Healey.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Ballet/Facebook*

This unique piece explores the intersection of visual and non-visual experiences of movement. Healey contributed voice recordings called Immersive Descriptive Audio (IDA), guiding audiences through the dancers’ physical and emotional states, rather than explaining the steps.

The narration was integrated from the start, not just added later for accessibility, offering a fresh perspective for both blind and sighted viewers. The work challenges traditional notions of dance, providing a new sensory experience that emphasizes sound, emotion, and intention.

A Contemporary Program Built on Risk

Queensland Ballet’s Bespoke season has built a reputation for offering risk-taking, contemporary works that challenge expectations. This year’s lineup includes three world premieres, with Newborn Giants sitting alongside pieces by Amelia Waller and Yolande Brown.

Binet spent five weeks in Brisbane working with 13 dancers from the company. He chose performers across a wide range of ages and styles, aiming to create a sense of diversity in movement. The piece asks dancers to focus on how movement begins in the body, questions like where they feel tension or where a gesture starts, rather than how it looks from the outside.

West End at the Centre of Innovation

The Thomas Dixon Centre, located in Brisbane’s West End, has become a creative hub for Queensland Ballet’s evolving vision. Hosting the Bespoke season in the Talbot Theatre offers audiences an intimate setting to connect with the performers in new ways.

For local audiences, Newborn Giants offers something rarely seen in mainstream ballet: an invitation to slow down and listen closely. It encourages viewers to notice what can’t be seen, making it as much about awareness as it is about movement.

A Different Kind of Access

The show sets a new standard for inclusive art by embedding accessibility into its core, with Healey’s poetic and expressive audio contributions deeply intertwined with the choreography.

buy tickets here

Queensland Ballet’s decision to present this project reflects its commitment to innovative, meaningful dance.

The performance offers a powerful reminder of how art can shift perspectives by telling stories from multiple viewpoints. It highlights the potential for dance to be experienced in new, inclusive ways.

Published 25-July-2025

Tom’s Kitchen Now Open at Thomas Dixon Centre in West End, Layla to Open Soon

West End’s Thomas Dixon Centre, best known as the home of Queensland Ballet, is now welcoming visitors for more than just performances.

Read: Flying Colours Is Painting West End with Good Times and Great Taste

Tom’s Kitchen, the precinct’s new daytime café, has officially opened, offering a fresh and inviting space for locals, dancers, and visitors to enjoy high-quality coffee and delicious, produce-driven meals.

Operating from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm daily, Tom’s Kitchen puts an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and approachable, flavourful dishes. The menu features a variety of options catering to both leisurely brunch-goers and those looking for a quick but satisfying bite.

Highlights include market mushrooms with ‘nduja, salted ricotta, and a poached egg on sourdough; a cheeseburger with smashed beef patties, provolone, and pickles; and a potato hash plate with smoked salmon and tomato béarnaise. To complement the food, Tom’s Kitchen serves ST ALi coffee and fresh bread from Sprout Bakery.

Daryl Kerry, CEO of VenuesLive, the hospitality partner for the precinct, describes Tom’s Kitchen as a place that will “fuel creativity, community, and conversation.” The café aims to become a hub for the West End neighbourhood, offering a welcoming space to enjoy great food and coffee while fostering connections.

Read: West End Venue The Bearded Lady Fights for Survival

Layla Set to Open on March 28

While Tom’s Kitchen has already begun delighting visitors, excitement is reaching new heights for the highly anticipated opening of Layla, the Thomas Dixon Centre’s flagship premium dining restaurant. This marks the first Queensland venture for celebrated Melbourne-based chef Shane Delia, renowned for his modern Middle Eastern restaurants and innovative, spice-driven cuisine.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by toms.kitchen (@tomskitchen_brisbane)

Layla is set to open its doors on Friday, 28 March, bringing an elegant, carefully curated menu to West End. While full details remain under wraps, diners can expect a sophisticated take on contemporary cuisine, infused with Delia’s signature bold and spice-forward approach. The menu will feature a Middle Eastern influence, enriched by inspiration from global flavours and Queensland’s exceptional local produce.

The restaurant will also housed within the Thomas Dixon Centre, the home of Queensland Ballet, and will serve as the centre’s crown jewel eatery. It is a key part of a broader vision to transform the venue into a leading dining and cultural precinct, thanks to a partnership between the Delia Group and Queensland Ballet’s hospitality partner, VenuesLive.

Joining Delia at Layla is head chef Simon Palmer, who brings an impressive résumé, having previously worked at Black Hide by Gambaro, Urbane, Gerard’s Bistro, and e’cco Bistro. Together, Delia and Palmer will craft an ever-evolving menu that highlights bold, herbaceous flavours and premium seasonal ingredients.

The venue itself is designed to cater to a variety of dining experiences, whether guests are enjoying a pre-show meal, celebrating a special occasion, or indulging in an intimate dining experience. Layla will offer both a moody indoor dining room and a sunlit outdoor courtyard, ensuring an inviting atmosphere for all occasions.

With Tom’s Kitchen now open and Layla’s debut just weeks away, the Thomas Dixon Centre is fast emerging as both a cultural and culinary landmark. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee, a relaxed brunch, or a luxurious evening of fine dining, Brisbane’s West End precinct is set to offer an unparalleled gastronomic experience.

Published 20-March-2025

Collectivo Brings Chamber Music Innovation to Thomas Dixon Centre, West End

Photo Credit: Thomas Dixon Centre

Brisbane’s chamber music scene welcomes a fresh and dynamic addition as Collectivo, a new ensemble founded by renowned oboist Tania Frazer, prepares to launch its 2025 concert series at Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.

Designed to offer a boutique, salon-style experience, the ensemble will feature a rotating lineup of virtuoso musicians performing in an intimate setting.

A Vision for Intimate and World-Class Chamber Music

Unlike traditional fixed ensembles, Collectivo brings together exceptional artists from across Australia and New Zealand in unique collaborations for each performance. Ms Frazer’s vision, described as “where artistry meets intimacy,” aims to give audiences an up-close experience, with seating just metres from the performers.

Collectivo Thomas Dixon Centre — *Photo Credit: Collectivo/Instagram*

Set in the Charles Lisner Studio at the Thomas Dixon Centre, the venue’s acoustics and intimate atmosphere provide an ideal space for chamber music, enhancing both the sound quality and audience connection.

2025 Concert Series Lineup and Program

The 2025 season will feature four concerts, each showcasing a different selection of artists and repertoire:

Concert 1 – “Tree of Life” (March 15)
Concert 2 – “The Troubadours” (July 26)
Concert 3 – “Timeless Voices” (September 13)
Concert 4 – “The Garden of Dreams” (November 1)

The inaugural concert, “Tree of Life,” will include:

Andrew Haveron (Sydney Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster)
Eden Shifroni (2024 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition winner)
Vatche Jambazian (pianist)
Rachel Siu (cellist)
Tania Frazer (artistic director & oboe soloist)

Future performances will welcome other high-profile musicians, including Slava Grigoryan, Satu Vänskä, Emily Sun, Amalia Hall, and Paavali Jumppanen.

Frazer’s Creative Freedom and Expanding Repertoire

Having previously led Southern Cross Soloists and Bangalow Music Festival, Ms Frazer sees Collectivo as a chance to pursue artistic freedom and innovation. Unlike government-funded ensembles, Collectivo operates independently, allowing Ms Frazer to curate performances without external constraints.

Collectivo chamber music — *Photo Credit: Collectivo/Instagram*

Her passion extends to expanding the oboe’s repertoire, incorporating works not traditionally played on the instrument. One of her personal challenges includes tackling Artie Shaw’s clarinet concerto, a piece requiring octave glisses and extended high notes, techniques rarely explored by oboists.

Ticketing and Subscription Options

With limited seating, Collectivo offers exclusive subscription packages:

Four, Three, or Two Concert Subscriptions with savings on single ticket prices.
Single tickets also available for each concert.

BUY TICKET

For accessible seating and ticketing enquiries, audiences can contact (07) 3013 6666.

Each performance lasts approximately two hours and 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, and is suitable for all ages.

With its debut set for 15 March 2025, Collectivo is poised to redefine chamber music experiences in Brisbane. Offering world-class talent in a uniquely intimate setting, the ensemble is set to become a standout addition to West End’s vibrant arts scene.

Published 26-Feb-2025

Bunker Barre in West End: From Bomb Shelter to Culinary Haven

Photo Credit: Queensland Ballet

The Bunker Barre is a novel dining establishment built from the remnants of World War II bomb shelters located beneath the Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. The Clark Family generously supports this project, which combines innovation and preservation.

The meticulously restored bunkers will retain their original brickwork, creating an intimate and evocative space.

A Pre- or Post-Show Retreat

Bunker Barre in West End: — *Photo Credit:* *Queensland Ballet*

This underground haven is set to entice visitors with a curated menu of food and drinks, serving as an inviting pre- or post-show retreat for ballet-goers and curious epicureans alike. While exact culinary details remain under wraps, the Bunker Barre promises a distinctive experience.

Revitalising the Thomas Dixon Centre

The Thomas Dixon Centre in West End underwent a more comprehensive revitalisation under the direction of renowned architect Conrad Gargett. This holistic approach aims to weave a vibrant tapestry of artistic and communal spaces, deeply anchoring the venue within the local landscape.

More than just a restaurant, the Bunker Barre symbolises resilience and re-imagination. It’s a nod to Brisbane’s past, a toast to its present, and a delicious glimpse into its future.

Details of the opening of Bunker Barre are still kept underwraps.

Published Date 30-July-2024

West End Welcomes the Brisbane International Jazz Festival with Stellar Line-up

Jazz enthusiasts are in for a musical treat as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival is set to take over the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.

This event, to be held Friday, 27 Oct 2023, promises to be a harmonious extravaganza featuring a star-studded line up of artists across multiple stages.

The Thomas Dixon Centre, located at 406 Montague Rd, West End, will serve as the backdrop for a night of smooth melodies and creative rhythms. The festival boasts a diverse array of jazz performers, both local and international, ensuring a captivating experience for all attendees.

Brooklyn Meets Brisbane: Kicking off the festivities is the Brooklyn-based saxophonist, Caroline Davis, and her adventurous trio Alula. Their fusion of styles is sure to captivate the audience, and their performance is bound to be a highlight of the evening.

Western Australia’s Finest: Western Australian collective, Quiet Country, will showcase their exceptional talents, with a lineup featuring Harry Mitchell (piano), Ben Vanderwal (drums), Allira Wilson (vocals), Karl Florisson (bass), and Ben Witt (guitar). They will also premiere their much-anticipated new album, adding an element of anticipation to the festival.

Melbourne’s Musical Magic: Melbourne’s Loose Leaf trio, led by the talented Andrew Saragossi, promises to bring their unique charm to the festival, and their performance is expected to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Brisbane International Jazz Festival will also feature some of Queensland’s most exceptional artists. Attendees can look forward to the impressive talents of Hannah Macklin, Cigany Weaver, and the Joshua Hatcher Quartet, among others. These local artists will showcase the vibrant jazz scene in the Sunshine State, adding a distinctive local flavor to the festival.

In a show of international collaboration, Chris Stover’s Imaginary Hybridities (USA) will grace the stage, demonstrating the global appeal of jazz. Additionally, the Sharon Nobs Trio, Khito, Tyler Cooney Quintet, SHAMIN, and the Theo Parrott Organ Trio will further contribute to the festival’s diverse line-up, ensuring a night of musical exploration.

Commissioned Works

The festival will commence with an open rehearsal of the commissioned works by Kayleigh Pincott and Brendan Foster, the recipients of the inaugural Lynette Irwin MF Composition Commission. This will offer a unique glimpse into the creative process of these talented composers and set the tone for the evening.

Don’t miss this musical extravaganza as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival graces West End with its diverse and talented line-up. With artists from around the world and some of Queensland’s finest talents on display, it promises to be a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.

Published 11-Oct-2023

Queensland Ballet Returns to the New Thomas Dixon Centre

Queensland Ballet has returned home to the heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. The building has just completed a multi-million-dollar renovation which commenced in August 2019.

Queensland Ballet returned to its home for the past three decades in July 2022, celebrating the opening of the brand-new Talbot Theatre with its season opener, “Bespoke.”

The new theatre is part of the $100-million redevelopment of the Thomas Dixon Centre.

Aside from the new, 350-seat Talbot Theatre, the 110-year-old building now boasts six dance studios, a costume workroom, a wellness centre, a gym, and stunning public art.

It also features Kite Terrace, a rooftop bar that offers amazing city views and a central promenade.

“The redevelopment of this historic building is a truly transformational moment for the arts in Brisbane. More than an incredible home for Queensland Ballet, the new Thomas Dixon Centre – as a centre for culture and community – will impact the Brisbane artistic landscape for years to come.” – Queensland Ballet’s fifth Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO

About Thomas Dixon

Thomas Coar Dixon was a leather tanner who arrived in Australia in 1866 from Yorkshire, England. He then moved to Queensland in 1869 from New South Wales and established a small tannery in Hill End (now known as West End) in 1873. He also went on to purchase the land on which his tannery sits.

Thomas Dixon Centre with plaque that reads “Established 1873” | Photo Credit: Thomas Dixon Centre — Thomas Dixon Centre with plaque that reads “Established 1873” | Photo Credit: *Thomas_Dixon_Centre* / thomasdixoncentre.com.au

In 1906, Dixon purchased the land bounded by Montague Road, Raven Street and Drake Street to establish a new factory. He commissioned architect Richard Gailey to design the two-storey red brick building.

The factory is now known as the Thomas Dixon Centre. It opened on 11 April 1908. Dixon died a year later.

Upon Dixon’s death, his sons took over and continued the business which was later registered as Thomas C. Dixon & Sons Limited. In 1973, the business moved to Wacol where it faced tough competition from cheaper vinyl imports and then closed down after seven years.

The Queensland Government acquired the centre in 1975 and converted it into a storage facility. The building then underwent refurbishing in 1991 to serve as the home of Queensland Ballet, Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra and the Queensland Dance School of Excellence.

The Thomas Dixon Centre entered the Heritage Register in 1998.

Redevelopment Plans for Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre Released

Plans for the redevelopment of Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre at 406 Montague Road, West End have been released and are already available to the public.

Queensland Ballet has been one of the major contributors to Queensland’s arts and cultural offering. However, growth is restricted in the current centre due to the size limitations and the quality of existing facilities. To reach its goal of becoming a leader on the world stage, one of the institution’s strategies is to redevelop the Thomas Dixon Centre to be a state-of-the-art ballet centre.

Conrad Gargett was the appointed architect for the redevelopment project. The proposed designs were already submitted for approval and are now available for public viewing.

Pedestrian view from Drake Street towards Montague Road (East Approach) Photo credit: Conrad Gargett

3D View of Drake St Photo credit: Photo credit: Conrad Gargett

Studio 04 with Integrated Service Beams Photo credit: Conrad Gargett

The proposed designs intend to enhance the efficiency of their Wardrobe and Production teams, attract more talent, and provide new performance spaces.

The plans also include the rectification of the heritage-listed building.

Heritage Rectification plan for South and West Elevation Photo credit: Conrad Gargett

Pedestrian view from Raven Street towards Montague Road (East Approach) Photo credit: Conrad Gargett

To see more details of the design, feel free to view the proposed designs and landscape designs. A video fly-through display of the proposed plans can be accessed in the foyer of the Thomas Dixon Centre. Simply visit their reception during business hours.