CAIRNS AND MAREEBA TO HOST STATE REGIONAL ARTS CONFERENCE

More than 200 regional arts workers and artists from all over the state will be in the Far North later this year to discuss the state of the arts in regional Queensland.

In Cairns today, Arts Minister Rod Welford announced the 2007 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) State Conference will be held in Cairns and Mareeba from November 14-16.

“This biennial conference is an opportunity for people working in the arts in regional Queensland to get together and explore new ideas and partnerships,” Mr Welford said.

“The tropical north is a great location to stimulate discussion about the future of regional arts in Queensland.

“The northern arts scene is flourishing – particularly Indigenous art – and there is a strong community commitment to arts and cultural activities.”

RADF is a successful partnership which has been run between the State Government and local councils for 16 years. The annual RADF allocation of $3 million helps support up to 1600 regional arts activities each year.

“RADF plays a key role developing and showcasing the unique cultural riches of our regions and supporting the work of local artists and cultural workers,” Mr Welford said.

“Queensland’s regions are the hothouses for some of Australia’s most internationally successful art and art has an important role in capturing and expressing regional identities and telling the histories and stories of local communities.”

Cairns City Council Mayor Cr Kevin Byrne said he welcomed the news that Cairns had been selected as a co-host.

“Cairns is widely recognised for its diverse nature and artist expression, however, only through the RADF program can local government adequately respond to the community groups, organisations and individuals who add to the cultural fabric of our society,” he said.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Cr Mick Borzi said hosting the conference was a great opportunity to support the arts and bring the RADF program closer to the region’s people.

For more information about the RADF state conference contact Angela Griffiths from Arts Queensland on telephone (07) 3224 5086.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985