Two programs are opening today supported by the Palaszczuk Government's $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package, to help get the state's economy back on track.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the funding will support jobs and activate creative spaces and link arts to social outcomes.
"Queensland's well-managed health response to COVID-19 means that we are continuing to deliver our plan for the recovery of the arts and cultural sector," Minister Enoch said.
"Through programs such as Spaces and Places and the revamped Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) we are supporting regional tourism and boosting local jobs.
"The Spaces and Places program opens today offering up to $250,000 for the creation of vibrant new works for festivals and events, public art installations, and performing arts tours which will drive regional economic outcomes.
"This program's arts and cultural initiatives will support tourism, employment, local venues and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our regional communities.
"Likewise, the reshaped QASP program also opening today, has been designed in consultation with the arts sector to help stabilise arts companies, support employment, and deliver COVID-safe cultural experiences."
Three funding streams; Arts Accelerate, Arts Activate and Arts Advantage, will be available under QASP as quick response funding rounds of up to $30,000 for sole-funded initiatives, and up to $60,000 for projects with co-contribution from the applicant, or other funding source.
QASP now has an increased focus on delivering social outcomes within communities, recognising the power of the arts to influence social, health and educational outcomes for Queenslanders.
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam welcomed the Palaszczuk Government's new investment in local arts initiatives statewide.
"These new funding opportunities will contribute greatly to the recovery of Queensland communities from the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while also attracting and retaining local talent," Mr Hallam said.
"Local governments will welcome this support to reactivate their cultural and creative spaces and venues, provide jobs for local artists and arts workers, bring their communities together and boost cultural tourism, all of which has enormous economic and health benefits for our regions."
Since the onset of COVID-19, the Palaszczuk Government has committed to more than $42.5 million worth of measures to support and revitalise the arts sector.
Expressions of interest for Spaces and Places funding must be submitted by 21 August, while applications for the first round of the reimagined QASP close 14 August.
