OUR STORY
The festival was initially created as a positive community response to a major CBD streetscaping project in Warwick It was created to:- Boost economy – grow tourism visitation and retail activity in a shoulder season by creating a bright and colourful atmosphere...
For over a decade, visitors to Jumpers & Jazz in July have marvelled at the imaginative yarn art installations crafted by our yarn bombing team, the Yarntopians. Their work, nestled at the crossroads of art and craft, continually surprises viewers by repurposing...
When the festival was first conceived in 2004, Audrey, the Art Gallery Director called Deeny, the local jazz singer and asked “what do you think about Jumpers on Trees, Jazz in the Streets and Jalopies on display, and all of this happening in July?” That was the...
As I reflect on the twenty years of Jumpers and Jazz in July, our Tree Jumpers hold a special place in my heart for their ability to bring people together, ignite the imagination, and spread joy in unexpected ways. In a world often filled with uncertainty, these...
It wouldn’t be Jumpers and JAZZ in July without the iconic ‘get up ‘n dance’ jazz vibe that has burst onto the Festival scene over the years. The broad eclectic range of high standard performers that have graced the stages in our CBD streets, concert venues, cafes,...
When we think about what the JJJ festival stands for, we cannot say it any better than the Purpose Statement and Values stated in the festival’s Strategic Plan. Purpose Statement: To support the Southern Downs community’s creative engagement and visitor economy One...
The festival was initially created as a positive community response to a major CBD streetscaping project of Warwick by the local council.
It was created to:-
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Create community ownership through a fun and entertaining way of using the new look streetscape,
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Boost economy – grow tourism visitation and retail activity in a shoulder season by creating a bright and colourful atmosphere during a ‘dull’ time of year, and
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Increase participation in the arts – to generate creativity, increase community participation in arts and share textile art with more people.
The inaugural Jumpers & Jazz in July (JJJ) festival was staged in 2004 as an initiative of the Warwick Art Gallery, with its primary program elements being:
- Jumpers on Trees, and
- Jazz Program of Events
In 2007 an organising committee was formed developing a partnership of Warwick Art Gallery and Warwick Tourism & Event Pty Ltd. This was a very successful partnership as the Tourism entity at the time saw the huge benefits to region in attracting tourist to the region in what would have otherwise been a quiet time of the year.
In 2016 Jumpers and Jazz was handed back to the community of Warwick and surrounding areas to support the future development of the festival. Jumpers and Jazz in July Inc was created as a not for profit incorporated association in November 2016.
Since the inaugural event, visitor numbers have risen steadily year on year, with particular growth from regional visitors within a 400km radius, but also including regular visitors from across the Australian Eastern Seaboard and beyond!
The total visitation of 60,000 is a significant attendance number for many events, but it’s particularly significant in this location as it far exceeds the resident population of its host town Warwick, which is approximately 13,500 people.
Julie Harris, Tree Jumper artist, 2015
