Music lovers, artists and venues from across the state celebrated the power of Queensland's music industry with last night's presentation of the 2022 Queensland Music Awards
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the 2022 Queensland Music Awards showcased the enormous talent, tenacity and outstanding inspiration of Queensland's contemporary music sector.
"The challenges of the last two years have demonstrated, now more than ever, the power of music to lift our spirits, heal, provide hope and unite communities across Queensland," Minister Enoch said.
"The Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $13.7 million into the state's music sector as part of our response to the pandemic.
"This includes $7 million in dedicated funding through the Live Music Support Program to assist live music venues through the impacts of COVID-19, with Round 4 of this fund now open.
"We applaud our state's exceptional artists, many of whom are showcased in tonight's awards."
Minister Enoch joined Lynn Thorpe, wife of the late great Queensland rocker Billy Thorpe, in presenting the $10,000 Billy Thorpe Scholarship for 2022 to Toowoomba artist Cloe Terare.
"Congratulations to Toowoomba talent Cloe Terare, who impressed the judges by pushing the boundaries of pop music by creating new sounds in electronic pop/soul, crafting introspective and intimate tracks that explore universal emotions," the Minister said.
"Well done to all of finalists in this category and to all of this evening's nominees, including the artists, venues, and supporting arts workers and enterprises who bring the happiness, joy, and magic of music to all Queenslanders," Ms Enoch said.
QMusic CEO Kris Stewart said, "Often the most important investments made in someone's career are those that happen at the start.
"The resources provided by the Billy Thorpe scholarship will have long-term benefits for every artist lucky enough to receive it," Mr Stewart said.
Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government had committed to more than $79 million in measures to support the arts sector since the onset of the pandemic, including the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package and the further $7 million to support the live music sector.
"The arts are key to delivering our Government's plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, each year contributing $8.5 billion into the state's economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders," Ms Enoch said.
