Arts and cultural practitioners of all genres are invited to apply for a share in grant funding to support their projects.
Applications are now open for Major Round Two (grants of up to $10,000) and for a City of the Arts Hero Project Grant (up to $25,000) as part of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program for projects that start after 1 July 2022.
The RADF program is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Arts and cultural organisations, groups and individuals are eligible to apply to the Cairns RADF program.
Mayor Bob Manning said the grants offered an opportunity to enhance and develop arts and cultural activities in the region.
"RADF has helped hundreds of local projects to get off the ground," he said.
"Every successful project represents another opportunity for residents to engage in activities that contribute to the vibrancy and depth of our arts community and help our city reinforce its reputation as the arts and culture capital of Northern Australia."
Arts and cultural activities that demonstrate a professional standard of work and contribute to the vitality and diversity of the arts industry in the Cairns region may be eligible for financial assistance.
RADF has helped more than 400 local projects get off the ground since the program started at Cairns Regional Council. RADF funding has a flow on effect across a number of business areas such as fabricators, designers, photographers and publishers.
Each year more than 500,000 people engage with RADF projects across Queensland, ranging from public art installations, to local festivals and arts and cultural workshops, either as practitioners, participants or audience members.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.08 million through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in 2021-22, matched with a contribution of approximately $2.3 million from 59 councils across the state.
"RADF is a great example of working together to deliver our COVID-19 economic recovery plan, supporting employment opportunities and creating new arts and cultural experiences in local and regional communities," Minister Enoch said.
"RADF in 2021-2022 will provide valuable social, health and economic outcomes for regional Queenslanders, and support our Government's 10-year arts roadmap priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, and drive social change across the state."
Full application guidelines can be found here. Applications for Major Round Two and the City of the Arts Hero Project grants close at 5pm on Friday 29 April 2022.
