Performers have until Wednesday 27 May to enter several remaining sections of the 2026 Quota Beenleigh City of Logan Eisteddfod, as the long-running arts competition prepares to mark its 40th event.
The eisteddfod was formed in 1986 after dance teacher Moya McKeon asked the Quota Club of Beenleigh in 1985 to investigate whether an eisteddfod could be created as a service to young people in the area.
Quota Beenleigh City of Logan Eisteddfod coordinator Karen Murphy said the event had grown from modest beginnings into a major annual program for performers.
“From a little seed of an idea, big things grow,” Ms Murphy said.
“So it was with our Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod. By responding to a need, we enabled our project to grow, deliver meaningful benefits, become sustainable and ultimately succeed.”
Ms Murphy said the eisteddfod began as a three-day competition in dance, music and drama, but had since expanded to 34 days.
“Quota members just kept growing with the project as the numbers of entries increased,” she said.
“From three days at first to 34 days currently, year after year keeping up with the paperwork behind the scenes, the responding to questions, the spectacular performances on the days, the smiles on performers’ faces … and all of a sudden we find it’s 40 years.
“We love giving the students opportunities to perform, to hone their skills and have experiences that many will not get anywhere else in life.”
The 2026 program includes Dance Groups at Logan Entertainment Centre from 31 July to 9 August, while Music Solos and Music Groups are scheduled for July.
The remaining open sections include Dance Solos, Dance Small Groups and Speech and Drama, with entries closing on 27 May.
Dance Small Groups will be held at Crete Street Theatre, Beenleigh, on 22 and 23 August.
Speech and Drama will run at the same venue from 24 to 26 August, followed by Dance Solos from 27 August to 3 September.
Ms Murphy said the eisteddfod remained an important opportunity for emerging performers across Logan, Brisbane, South East Queensland and beyond.
“If we wish to show our support for the arts and encourage students to continue to choose careers in these fields, then we must also encourage events which showcase their abilities and allow them to shine,” she said.
Ms Murphy said the event’s growth had been supported by generations of organisers, sponsors and volunteers.
She said the organising team was originally led by Moya McKeon OAM for the first 21 years, followed by Heather Christensen OAM for the next 19 years, with Margaret George as assistant coordinator.
“Without their expertise and organisational abilities, we might not have grown to the current size or popularity,” Ms Murphy said.
In 2025, the eisteddfod recorded 139 schools and 61 studios taking part, with more than 7900 family members and friends attending as audience members.
Ms Murphy said many past competitors had gone on to careers in the arts locally, nationally and overseas.
“It’s wonderful to see so many performers go on to careers in the arts — locally, throughout Australia and overseas,” she said.
She said profits raised from the eisteddfod were returned to the local community through grants to schools, Quota Care cupboards, the QuoCKa Reading program, books for children, mentoring programs, hearing systems for schools and other projects.
“It’s a win-win for all,” Ms Murphy said.
Solo performances for Music, Dance and Speech and Drama at Crete Street Theatre will be free to attend this year.
Ms Murphy said the eisteddfod was also seeking enthusiastic volunteers and sponsors.
“We invite all supporters of the arts to come and join us and show their support for these emerging artists,” she said.
“We would love to welcome your special performance!”
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