STATE GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN REGIONAL ARTS

Queensland’s regional artists and communities will benefit from $2.22 million in Beattie Government funding announced today by Arts Minister Rod Welford.

Mr Welford said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) would assist 113 local councils in remote and regional areas with arts projects during 2007-08.

“Communities across Queensland need to celebrate their cultural and artistic heritage by telling their own stories,” Mr Welford said.

“RADF helps them do this by giving funding to one-off, short term projects which also bring jobs for local arts workers.

“RADF enriches cultural communities by assisting initiatives such as last year’s RADiCUL project, where 17 shire councils, 56 volunteers and 35 artists from the Burnett region contributed to art displays and performances at the Ekka in Brisbane.

“A funding partnership between the Government and local authorities, RADF also has the advantage of involving councils in developing the cultural life of their own communities.”

Mr Welford said the State Government and local councils would contribute a total of $3.47 million to RADF in 2007-08.

“Our Government will contribute $2.22 million to the RADF funding pool with local councils adding an estimated $1.25 million,” he said.

“RADF is one of the largest and most accessible Government funding programs available to regional Queensland artists and arts workers, generating significant employment and training opportunities.”

Since RADF started 16 years ago, it has funded more than 6000 projects and workshops across a range of art forms, from opera to multimedia to bush poetry.

Funding is determined by a range of criteria by a team of assessors representing local councils selected in consultation with the Local Government Association of Queensland.

Mr Welford said RADF helped deliver on the priorities outlined in the Queensland Arts Industry Sector Plan which includes supporting regionally based artists and arts organisations, developing audiences and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000