Miles Doing What Matters: State and local government partnerships backing regional arts

• The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Miles Government and regional councils, will boost investment in arts and cultural programs and creative employment across the state.
• Total combined investment in RADF 2024-2025 will grow by almost $1 million, to unlock more than $5 million through co-investment in regional arts between the Government and 59 regional councils.
• Streamlined and new multi-year investment agreements will also enhance creative employment and arts engagement in communities.

Queensland communities will engage in rich and diverse arts experiences with a boost of almost $1 million in RADF, growing the total of Queensland Government and regional councils’ co-investment to more than $5 million.

Since 1991, the Queensland Government and local governments have successfully partnered to support local arts and cultural experiences, with the State Government injecting $2.42 million into RADF to leverage a further $2.66 million from 59 regional councils.

This uplift in RADF partnership investment recognises the important role of locally-led arts investment decisions in realising community needs and ambitions and growing creative economies.

RADF enables regional councils to shape their own arts and cultural programs and projects, supporting arts and cultural experiences for more than 500,000 Queenslanders and employment opportunities for hundreds of artists and arts workers in local communities across the State. 

Delivering on the priorities of the Miles Government’s Creative Together 2020-2030 10-year strategy for arts, culture and creativity, RADF is helping to activate Queensland’s places and spaces, drive social change and strengthen communities, share our stories and celebrate our storytellers.

RADF has been enhanced for 2024-2025, with streamlined program administration, including simplified reporting requirements and the introduction of multi-year funding agreements, reducing red tape for local councils and arts organisations.

For more information on RADF please visit:

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:

“The Miles Government is doing what matters, continuing to support RADF investment to enable the unique stories, knowledge and exceptional talent from communities in every corner of the state to enrich local arts and cultural experiences.

“The Miles Government’s strong track record in partnering with local governments to deliver RADF will continue this year, with increased funding and simpler administration for councils, artists and arts companies. 

“Our proud investment in RADF promotes the power and value of the arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse, inclusive communities, strengthening local economies and increasing creative employment for Queenslanders across the State.

“Projects funded through RADF provide important career pathways for arts practitioners, engage Queensland audiences, and strengthen the state’s reputation for cultural tourism in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” 

Quotes attributable to the Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith:

“RADF is a state program that matches funding from councils to enhance the delivery of local celebrations and increase the liveability of communities.

“RADF helps councils and communities recognise and celebrate what makes them unique, by supporting them to create vibrant, liveable communities across the state.”

ENDS

Media contact – Kim Sweetman 0457 600 237