Published Sunday, 07 December, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Regional Queensland to benefit from arts and cultural services
Arts Minister Rod Welford today announced a new Bligh Government initiative to deliver arts and cultural services across regional Queensland, worth up to $550,000.
Speaking at Gladstone Art Gallery as part of the Bligh Government’s 12th Community Cabinet, Mr Welford said the new initiative would support sustainable cultural activities in regional Queensland and help to develop creative industries in these areas.
“The Bligh Government, in partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts, is making up to $550,000 available to three organisations which will develop partnerships with local artists and community groups to help build their capacity to deliver projects for achieving better community outcomes,” Mr Welford said.
“Creative Regions, Arts Nexus and the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) have been selected because of their demonstrated practical approach in providing community-based arts projects, such as ‘Culture Clinics’.
“These clinics might provide one-on-one support to individuals preparing grant applications or work with several arts organisations and local government groups to plan a festival.”
Mr Welford said the funding would allow these organisations to begin working on projects in 2009.
“This investment by the Bligh Government will take the already exciting arts and cultural life of regional Queensland to a new level,” he said.
Creative Regions, a not-for-profit cultural service provider and producer, will service the eastern parts of Central and Southern Queensland including Central Highlands, Rockhampton, Gladstone, North Burnett, South Burnett, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Roma, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Southern Downs Regional Councils; Banana and Ballone Shire Councils; and Cherbourg and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Councils.
Arts Nexus, who are currently contracted to deliver services in Far North Queensland, were successful in expanding service provision to Northern Queensland from Mount Isa to Townsville, including from Hinchinbrook Shire to Isaac Regional Councils.
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) will be contracted to deliver services to the western areas of Central and Southern Queensland including Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Paroo, Murweh, Quilpie and Winton Shire Councils.
Kathy Keele, CEO of the Australia Council, said she was committed to working cooperatively with the states so that everyone, no matter where they live, are able to participate in, create and appreciate, arts experience of excellence.
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government was ensuring communities and artists across the state had access to arts and cultural events, services and professional development opportunities.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336
Speaking at Gladstone Art Gallery as part of the Bligh Government’s 12th Community Cabinet, Mr Welford said the new initiative would support sustainable cultural activities in regional Queensland and help to develop creative industries in these areas.
“The Bligh Government, in partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts, is making up to $550,000 available to three organisations which will develop partnerships with local artists and community groups to help build their capacity to deliver projects for achieving better community outcomes,” Mr Welford said.
“Creative Regions, Arts Nexus and the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) have been selected because of their demonstrated practical approach in providing community-based arts projects, such as ‘Culture Clinics’.
“These clinics might provide one-on-one support to individuals preparing grant applications or work with several arts organisations and local government groups to plan a festival.”
Mr Welford said the funding would allow these organisations to begin working on projects in 2009.
“This investment by the Bligh Government will take the already exciting arts and cultural life of regional Queensland to a new level,” he said.
Creative Regions, a not-for-profit cultural service provider and producer, will service the eastern parts of Central and Southern Queensland including Central Highlands, Rockhampton, Gladstone, North Burnett, South Burnett, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, Roma, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Southern Downs Regional Councils; Banana and Ballone Shire Councils; and Cherbourg and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Councils.
Arts Nexus, who are currently contracted to deliver services in Far North Queensland, were successful in expanding service provision to Northern Queensland from Mount Isa to Townsville, including from Hinchinbrook Shire to Isaac Regional Councils.
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) will be contracted to deliver services to the western areas of Central and Southern Queensland including Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Paroo, Murweh, Quilpie and Winton Shire Councils.
Kathy Keele, CEO of the Australia Council, said she was committed to working cooperatively with the states so that everyone, no matter where they live, are able to participate in, create and appreciate, arts experience of excellence.
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government was ensuring communities and artists across the state had access to arts and cultural events, services and professional development opportunities.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336