Topology Inc is an award-winning arts organisation, encompassing contemporary performance ensemble ‘Topology’, its Creative Academy arts education program, and its Creative Communities community and cultural development service. Established in 1997, Topology has had a significant impact on both music education and community-driven arts engagement in Queensland, and has been in partnership with TFFF since 2014.

The organisation has a vision to be ambassadors for creativity, whilst excelling in creating original music, connecting artists through collaboration, and inspiring communities through shared musical experiences. Topology aims to deliver a minimum of 50 creative workshops annually to engage communities, enhance skills and encourage collaboration, with a particular focus on Indigenous and regional participants, and consistently exceeds this target: in 2024, it delivered 432 creative workshops across Queensland, tailored to communities, schools, and specialised programs.

Topology’s Creative Academy runs educational programs for emerging composers and musicians of all ages, offering mentorship, workshops, and performance opportunities. Music education is provided in schools, online, through its one-on-one creative mentorship program Launchpad, and through Creative Bootcamps delivered in communities around Queensland. Creative Bootcamps offer participants the rare opportunity to unleash their creative potential through an inspiring, integrated, and industry relevant program. Participants experience hands-on workshops with fellow artists, published composers, virtuoso musicians, and arts industry professionals, culminating in participants, artists, and tutors showcasing the new work created during the bootcamp.

In 2024, Topology held its first ever On-Country Creative Bootcamp, held over a week at Normanby Station in Cape York, with nine students from Cooktown State School in attendance. The Bootcamp was initiated at the request of the Station’s Traditional Owners, the Harrigan Brothers of Black Image Band. Topology has been working with the Harrigan Brothers to develop a long-term strategy for On-Country creative experiences, with a core focus being the mentorship of young and emerging First Nations musicians.

Topology created a short documentary following the Normanby Station bootcamp, culminating in the performance of the original music created On Country, and later arranged a second performance for the whole Cooktown school community.

Growing in popularity and demand, 2025 will see Topology deliver Creative Bootcamps in Texas, Rockhampton, Inglewood, Cooktown, Charleville, Normanby Station, Brisbane, Goondiwindi, Yarrabilba, Logan and Townsville.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share in the Topology visit. An amazing opportunity for creative locals to gather and enjoy the company, inspiration and encouragement from the Topology team. Your dedication and skills are most appreciated.

- Mary Schwartz, Texas Creative Bootcamp “Texas Has Talent” Participant

Topology recognises that communities in rural and regional Australia do not have the same access to services as those in metropolitan areas, impacting their capacity to participate in the arts and develop their own artistic endeavours. It actively supports creative communities by providing access to high-quality arts events, workshops, and consulting services, helping to bridge the gap between regional communities and the arts.

The Growing Creative Communities Strategy was developed in response to extensive research and community consultation by Topology and partners around Queensland. After a TFFF-funded pilot in 2019, Topology set out in force to support rural and regional communities to grow their social and creative capacity and come to own their identity and achievements as creative communities in their own right.

To facilitate this, Topology works with communities to establish Creative Regional Hubs designed to provide communities with the opportunity to work with professional performers and crews, and delivers a range of programs including creative consulting and professional development, the delivery of customised Topology Creative Academy programs for regional communities, and Creative Community Workshops across Queensland. These workshops, for participants of any age, are designed in consultation with the community, and based on the needs of the group.

As part of its Queensland Stories – A Legacy Project, Topology worked with communities across regional and remote Queensland to create and showcase their stories through music before performing them for the community. Topology also engaged local photographers and videographers to create music videos for the stories.

Topology’s slow touring model, which it continues to refine each year, allows the organisation to build deeper, more sustainable relationships with communities. Spending longer periods in each location enables more meaningful engagement with local participants, supporting the development of their own agency and creative capacity. The slow touring model provides more opportunities for people in communities to attend workshops, performances, and events by fostering ongoing participation, cultivating a sense of ownership and pride within the community.

Topology is supported through the Resilience stream.