A Palaszczuk Government partnership with 59 regional local councils will see an investment of more than $4 million in 2022 – 2023 through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to strengthen community-led arts and cultural experiences while creating good, secure regional jobs in the industry.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said as part of this successful, long-term collaboration, the Palaszczuk Government will provide $2.13 million from RADF 2022–2023 to a total of 59 local councils, who will contribute a co-investment amount of almost $2 million,"
"Established in 1991, RADF is a long-standing success story between the Queensland Government and regional councils, enabling local artists and arts workers to tell their rich and unique stories, while creating positive economic outcomes," Minister Enoch said.
"For 31 years RADF, established by the Goss Labor Government, has provided a legacy of creating new art and cultural experiences for Queensland audiences and communities, and a platform for professional development and growth across the regional arts sector."
Minister Enoch praised the RADF outcomes for 2021 – 2022.
"There have been hundreds of successful RADF recipients over the past year, each benefitting their local communities," the Minister said.
"Project highlights include a theatre in the round experience by Goat Track Theatre Company on Tamborine Mountain, an aerial silk production on the Cassowary Coast, a SketchFest by the Cairns Urban Sketchers and a local history app, podcast series and inaugural arts, crafts and music festival in Gladstone.
"The creative diversity of RADF projects span the state, from an exhibition at the Noosa Regional Gallery telling the confronting story and 150-year history of Budgeree Dolls, through to dance development sessions and open-mic nights for musicians in the Logan region," Ms Enoch said.
"RADF 2022-2023 will support our 10-year roadmap, Creative Together 2020 – 2030 to deliver on key priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, drive social change across the state, share our stories and celebrate our local storytellers.
"RADF projects continue to bolster regional access to rich arts and cultural experiences," The Minister said.
Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Alison Smith said RADF was a vital program enabling councils to help celebrate the cultural and artistic fabric of their local communities.
"Every Queensland community deserves to be a liveable one, and programs like RADF help local communities promote and enjoy what makes them unique, which helps create vibrant places to live, work and play," Ms Smith said.
"The State Government is boosting our funding to the arts portfolio by $50 million over the next four years to support Grow 2022-2026, the second action plan supporting our 10-year roadmap for arts, culture and creativity in Queensland," Minister Enoch said.
