Media Statements

Premier Anna Bligh today announced $250,000 in Queensland Government funding for arts and cultural activities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in 2009-10.

Ms Bligh said the Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund (IRADF) ensured Indigenous communities in regional and remote areas of Queensland had the opportunity to contribute to Queensland’s arts and cultural life.

“The program is a partnership between Arts Queensland and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for residents in these communities to have access to arts and cultural services,” she said.

“IRADF allows participating councils and organisations to build on the strengths of Queensland’s diverse regions by funding arts and cultural projects that are most beneficial to local communities.”

“The Thaaworre Mungkan weavers in Pormpuraaw, where younger family members go out with elders to collect and prepare bush material for traditional weaving, is a great example of an IRADF-funded project that helps to keep culture strong within a community.”

Ms Bligh said 13 councils and organisations will be funded in 2009-10, with the program helping to develop relevant projects and activities in each community.

“IRADF provides opportunities for broader community links to ensure the development of skills, such as traditional dance and language programs,” Ms Bligh said.

IRADF is offered on an annual basis and managed by Arts Queensland's Cairns office, with officers working with host organisations to support program delivery on the ground in each Indigenous community.

Ms Bligh said the $250,000 allocation was part of the Queensland Government’s $3 million commitment to support both the IRADF and Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) programs’ grants and operational costs.

A full list of organisations receiving funding follows.

Media contact: 07 32244500

INDIGENOUS REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND 2009-10