Popular festivals, engaging community workshops and inspiring public art works will share in more than $620,000 thanks to the Palaszczuk Government under the latest round of funding under the Queensland Arts Showcase Program.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said that funding was supporting fifteen arts projects across the state including a large-scale puppet show at the Woodford Folk Festival, a Queensland play that will be touring internationally, and a theatre work that explores life's big questions through a panel of young people aged 9 to 13.
"The Palaszczuk Government recognises the important role the arts and cultural sector play in our communities, and we are continuing to support Queensland artists, activities and festivals," Minister Enoch said.
"Since 2015, our Government has invested more than $12.94 million to support more than 380 arts and cultural projects across the state through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program.
"And we are already seeing projects from this latest round of funding having a real impact in connecting our communities, creating employment, and engaging regional communities."
Ms Enoch said Queensland artists and organisations have been given opportunity to present their incredible works on both a national and international stage, thanks to this funding program.
"The renowned Woodford Folk Festival has received nearly $100,000 to engage internationally acclaimed puppetry masters to help Queensland artists develop specialist skills to tell stories using large-scale puppets," Ms Enoch said.
"Grin & Tonic Theatre Troupe will use their funding of $28,000 to produce and tour a new theatre production The 7 Stages of Grieving in Los Angeles this month, a piece of work that looks at the story of First Nations Peoples and their hope for reconciliation."
Grin and Tonic General Manager Kellie Lazarus said the company recognised the commitment of the Queensland Government in supporting local artists and companies to further their artistic and cultural reach to an international audience.
"Storytelling and theatre made in Queensland is some of the best in the world," Ms Lazarus said.
Ms Enoch said that Brisbane-based collective the Good Room have received $59,250 to create new partnerships and present I've Been Meaning to Ask You in Sydney, opening new development opportunities for Queensland artists.
"This work is designed to inspire thought and is full of questions that a panel of young people ask adults in a one-hour tell-all," Ms Enoch said.
Amy Ingram, co-founder of The Good Room, said the funding would support new and existing partnerships.
"I've Been Meaning to Ask You was a huge success in Brisbane and the demand has required The Good Room to expand its capacity to present work across the county in multiple locations simultaneously," Ms Ingram said.
Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government supports Queenslanders who work in the arts and cultural sector.
"Funding through QASP not only supports the development and growth of the arts and cultural sector in Queensland, it encourages engagement in the arts through creative, diverse and original experiences in communities across the state," Ms Enoch said.
