- New funding will support seven Queensland organisations to deliver exciting new programming that will drive tourism to cultural festivals and events across the State.
- The Cultural Tourism Fund will support home grown arts events to reach new audiences and boost cultural tourism.
- The Fund delivers on the Queensland's Time to Shine: a 10-year strategy for arts and culture 2025-2035 and Destination 2045 and works to position Queensland as Australia's festivals and events capital.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a vibrant arts sector after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future with more funding to expand home-grown events, attract new audiences and drive cultural and economic benefits.
The refreshed Cultural Tourism Fund will provide $891,110 for seven key Queensland events and festivals to deliver exciting new programming, reach wider audiences and improve accessibility for patrons and artists.
This investment will help grow annual events across the State, including supporting the North Australia Festival of Arts in Townsville, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Cairns, the 1770 Festival in central Queensland and the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival in Warwick.
After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is committed to regional Queensland and these communities deserve experience to high quality arts, culture and events.
In the lead up to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan to transform arts experiences that will put Queensland up in lights.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Fund will allow Queensland's established events and festival organisers to activate bold new visions, attract bigger crowds and grow visitation across the regions.
"Queensland boasts some of Australia's best cultural events and festivals and the Crisafulli Government has a plan to ensure they continue to evolve and thrive," Minister Langbroek said.
"Through the Cultural Tourism Fund, we're proud to support seven organisations behind celebrated events across the state—from Warwick and the Gold Coast, to 1770, Gympie, Mareeba, Magnetic Island and Cairns.
"This funding provides artists and arts workers with more job opportunities, greater exposure and strengthening our creative economy.
"These experiences draw more visitors to Queensland and also supports small businesses, hospitality providers and regional tourism operators.
"A full calendar of cultural festivals and events aligns with our 10-year arts and culture strategy, Queensland's Time to Shine—enhancing arts participation in the regions, while growing Queensland's reputation as a vibrant cultural destination."
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) will receive $180,000 over two years to support the presentation and marketing of renowned international acts at the festival as part of its new Global Chamber Voices initiative.
AFCM Executive Director Ricardo Peach said he hoped the initiative would attract more interstate and Asia-Pacific visitors, enhancing the cultural profile of the Far North.
"Funding from the Crisafulli Government is having a material impact on the delivery of our world‑class music event in Australia," Dr Peach said.
"With this support, we are confident we can not only grow domestic audiences but also begin to attract high‑value international visitors who might otherwise have chosen to travel to different international, cultural destinations."
Discovery Coast Tourism and Commerce (DCTC) will receive $30,000 over two years to implement a targeted marketing strategy that grows visitation to the 1770 Festival, while positioning the event as a Southern Great Barrier Reef destination experience.
DCTC General Manager Alistair Tavares said the investment recognised the festival's growing role as a cultural tourism event and will support increasing attendance.
"The funding will allow us to grow out-of-region visitation and overnight stays, support creatives, and share the unique story of the Town of 1770 with a broader audience," Mr Tavares said.
