A 20-episode podcast, a two-woman comedy show and an outdoor audio-visual experience that illuminates First Nations stories are amongst the 25 new arts and cultural projects that will share in more than $925,000 in funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
In announcing the latest round of funding from the Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP), Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said this investment will help deliver arts and cultural experiences across the state.
"The Queensland Arts Showcase Program provides artists and arts organisations with the opportunity to bring their projects to life and provide immersive arts experiences for Queenslanders," Minister Enoch said.
"Funding has been allocated across the state to support a range of regional activities that engages local communities, supports skill development and provides employment opportunities for the arts sector, which is part of our plan for economic recovery.
"Since opening in September 2015, 527 applicants have shared in more than $19 million in funding through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program.
"The arts are key to delivering the Palaszczuk Government's plan for economic recovery, each year contributing $8.5 billion into the state's economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders."
The Queensland Arts Showcase Program was redesigned in 2020 in consultation with the arts sector to include a strong focus on supporting social outcomes in communities, stabilising arts companies and driving employment in the creatives industries.
The latest round of recipients will see the delivery of a unique range of projects.
In Cairns, Mezmerize Production has received funding to help engage First Nations artists and arts workers to develop the project 'Shine', an immersive, audio-visual experience that will illuminate the culture and stories of Cairns First Nations peoples in a public art installation in October 2021 on the Cairns Esplanade.
Karul Projects is also receiving $30,250 for the premiere of Weredingo (formerly known as SSHIFTT), a performance produced by BlakDance.
Karul Projects Co-Artistic Director Thomas E.S. Kelly said: "Weredingo is a new dance work challenging what you think you know about shapeshifting. The show has been four years in the making, and could not have happened without our producers at BlakDance, the support of Arts Queensland, Australia Council and our allied Queensland arts organisations.
"As a First Nations-led Gold Coast based performing arts company, we are so excited to premiere this work in our home state of Queensland."
