Arts funding to create a smarter creative sector

Arts Minister Rod Welford today announced more than $1.5 million in funding for small to medium arts companies to continue creating innovative and accessible arts for all Queenslanders.

Mr Welford said the 2009 allocation of annual funding under the s2m (small to medium) program would be shared by 16 companies throughout the state, from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

“Four organisations will receive annual funding through the s2m program for the first time – Speakout, Queensland Poetry Festival, Queensland Folk Federation and Vulcana,” Mr Welford said.

“I also acknowledge the good work done by the 12 organisations that received renewed annual s2m funding again this year as they continue to respond to program priorities, secure artistic and financial growth and demonstrate real audience appeal and participation.

“The annual s2m funding for 2009 is in addition to the $7.351 million already allocated to 28 organisations for s2m triennial and annual rolling funding. This brings the total funding for our small to medium arts organisations to $9.8 million.

“The s2m model, implemented last year, is achieving a balance across art forms, geographical locations, target audiences and our Government’s priorities for a rich and vibrant cultural life.”

Annual funding recipients in 2009: Arts Nexus, Cairns; Artworkers, Brisbane; Brisbane Cabaret Festival; Catalyst Youth Arts, Pine Rivers; Clocked Out Productions, Brisbane; Expressions Dance Company, Brisbane; Playlab, Brisbane; Topology, Brisbane; Multimedia Art Asia Pacific (MAAP), Brisbane; Queensland Centre for Photography, Brisbane; Queensland Folk Federation, Woodford; Queensland Poetry Festival, Brisbane; Speakout, Brisbane and regional Queensland; Swell Currumbin Sculpture Festival, Gold Coast; Vulcana, Brisbane; and Zen Zen Zo, Brisbane.

Mr Welford said his decision to open up s2m funding through a competitive process had allowed the very best of new and promising talent and companies to be funded.

“The first year of s2m provided a refreshing injection of creative energy into Queensland’s arts scene as the funding model allowed us to foster a healthy environment of diverse small to medium arts and cultural organisations across the state,” Mr Welford said.

“It has also helped our aim to increase participation in the arts, especially for young people and those in regional communities.”

Mr Welford said the s2m program includes $872,000 in funding for Industry Development Initiatives for 2009.

“These initiatives complement the core s2m funding by addressing gaps and emerging priorities within the sector with a focus on regions, cultural diversity, Indigenous theatre and support for independent performing artists,” he said.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000