Cairns arts and culture flourishes from Palaszczuk Government investment

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing its investment in arts and culture in the Cairns region, which helps showcase local artists and fosters local arts and cultural activities.

On the eve of the opening of Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF), Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said more than $28 million in funding had been provided to Cairns arts and cultural projects and programs since 2015.

“Since forming government, the Palaszczuk Government has invested millions in arts and cultural experiences in Cairns, including major infrastructure projects and arts programs that help connect communities and tell stories,” Ms Enoch said.

“One of our biggest investments has been $15 million towards the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, which opened last year and includes a 940-seat theatre and versatile 400-seat studio.

“This new venue was a valuable addition for Cairns and opened up opportunities for the region to host bigger shows.

“We have also invested more than $5 million for the refurbishment of the Centre of Contemporary Arts in Cairns, which will strengthen the local arts sector and help expand cultural tourism in the region while also opening up new performance and creative opportunities for First Nations artists.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said on top of the more than $20 million provided for infrastructure in the arts and culture sector, more than $7 million had been provided to Cairns arts organisations, groups and individuals since 2015.

“This includes more than $2 million for Cairns groups under the Organisations Fund, which provides multi-year funding to small to medium organisations, such as JUTE Theatre Company and Umi Arts in Cairns, to deliver arts and cultural activities,” he said.

“More than $3 million specifically for Cairns groups and individuals has been provided under the Backing Indigenous Arts initiative, which supports First Nations artists to embark on new projects and career pathways.”

Minister Enoch said funding under the Backing Indigenous Arts initiative supported the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair (CIAF).

“The Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $800,000 to support CIAF this year, as it the event marks its 10^th anniversary,” she said.

“There are many other arts programs across the Cairns community we have also funded, including the Regional Arts Development Fund, which has supported Cairns council to deliver quality arts and cultural experiences in the local community.

“Across the wider Far North Queensland region, we have also provided $450,000 as part of the Regional Arts Services network to deliver on the-the-ground arts services in the area.”

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to investing in the arts and cultural sector in Far North Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting arts, culture and creativity and we recognise the vital role that arts infrastructure has in fostering a strong arts sector, and the job opportunities that this provides.”

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