GOVERNMENT TO INVEST IN NEW SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CENTRE

The 2007-08 State Budget will be a watershed for the visual arts, craft and design sectors with the Government committing $1 million to plan a major international design centre.

Arts Minister Rod Welford said the world-class design precinct would present the very best of the Smart State, focusing on design for sustainable urban lifestyles in 21^st century Queensland.

“It will put Queensland at the forefront of sustainable, smart design that is globally competitive, yet reflecting the importance of the environment in contemporary life,” Mr Welford said.

“This environmental awareness will extend to the centre’s building which will be a bold architectural statement demonstrating the principles of sustainable environmental design.”

Mr Welford said the art and cultural sector’s distinctive creativity and future development would benefit from $209 million in recurrent and capital funding in 2007-08.

“Children’s and young people’s participation in the arts will be a priority for our Government in 2007-08, with $2.3 million allocated to create The Edge, an ideas and technology centre for children at the Cultural Centre, South Bank,” he said.

“We have also allocated $12 million over three years to create a new fund for public art. The fund, to replace the highly successful Art Built-In, will focus on commissioning world class public art for all Queenslanders to enjoy.

“The Budget re-affirms our Government’s commitment to the backbone of the Queensland arts and cultural sector with $112.3 million for our flagship cultural institutions and $9.6 million allocated to fund the small to medium arts sector.”

The Government’s support for the State’s signature arts festivals, such as the Brisbane Festival, which showcase new and innovative arts as well as promote local talent and stories will also continue, with an extra $1.25 million for the Queensland Music Festival.

“Building on the State’s recent boom in film and television production, the Budget also delivers an increase of 33 per cent to the Pacific Film and Television Commission’s Revolving Film Finance Fund taking it to $20 million.

“This will make available more assistance to the local film and television industry, as well as helping to attract more interstate and overseas investment in productions.

“This Budget underwrites the Government’s commitment to supporting a thriving arts sector that is sustainable and marketable, nationally and internationally.”

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