Arts funding allows creativity to flourish across Queensland

Acting Arts Minister Margaret Keech has announced over $1 million in funding to support targeted arts industry development initiatives (IDIs) for Queensland’s small to medium arts companies in 2008.

“The IDIs will provide funding assistance to projects such as a national playwriting conference, programs for young people, arts services in central and northwest Queensland and developing Indigenous performing arts for an international audience,” Ms Keech said.

“This comes on the heels of the s2m funding program announcement, which will deliver $8.462 million to 43 Queensland arts companies next year.

“Where s2m funding is allocated to specific organisations, industry development initiatives funding is more flexible and will benefit a number of regions with, in many cases, additional investment from local councils and businesses.

“The IDIs focus on creative and business development and will open up the arts sector to bold new directions and opportunities.

“We already have an impressive line-up of initiatives ready to go in 2008, with further projects still being developed.”

Some of the industry development initiatives to receive funding include new arts development services in central and northwest Queensland; performing arts support for dancers and theatre workers in Townsville and Brisbane to assist development, presentation and touring; and Culture, Commerce and Community partnerships with local councils in Mount Isa, Rockhampton and Bundaberg to identify enterprises with artistic, community and commercial outcomes.

A youth art program in Blackall will train young people in photography, art and design and digital storytelling and Indigenous Performing Arts funding will support Queensland Indigenous artists to deliver Indigenous theatre nationally and internationally.

The National Playwriting Conference will hold its conferences and workshops in Brisbane from 2008-2010; the Queensland Writers Centre will coordinate a publishing program for mid-career writers; and Cultural Diversity and the Arts will focus on performances of local, national and international artists of diverse backgrounds to build audiences.

Media contact: Emma Clarey or Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000