Published Sunday, 01 February, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Boost for Queensland's Indigenous arts
Indigenous Arts projects throughout Far North Queensland received a major boost today with the announcement of more than $1 million in Bligh Government funding.
Arts Minister Rod Welford announced the recipients of the latest round of grants from the Backing Indigenous Arts program as part of this week’s Community Cabinet meeting in Townsville.
“This is an investment in local arts projects and local artists,” Mr Welford said.
“It’s vital that we continue to support arts in the regions, so that the sector can continue to develop.”
Mr Welford said the $1.045 million in funding would be shared among nine arts centres and three arts hubs with a further $317,000 earmarked for 19 Building Skills and Opportunities arts projects.
“These great projects include the development of a full-length dance production inspired by Native Title campaigner Eddie “Koiki” Mabo and the revitalisation of a cultural museum in a rainforest,” he said.
“Earlier investments from the $10.73 million Backing Indigenous Arts program have already seen strong results for our artists.
“Printmaking workshops in Townsville last year led to a major commission for nine Indigenous artists to create 400 works for a newly-refurbished Townsville hotel and an accompanying exhibition, both opening in July.”
Mr Welford said the Indigenous arts centre grants for 2008-09 would allow councils and organisations to develop specific programs for their local communities.
“For example, Aurukun Shire Council will receive $100,000 to put towards exhibitions, artist-in-residence programs and attendance at the Laura Aboriginal Dance and Cultural Festival, one of Australia’s most well-established and vibrant cultural festivals,” he said.
“This funding will also help artists and art centres create work to be showcased as part of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, another key element of Backing Indigenous Arts, taking place from 21 – 23 August 2009.
Backing Indigenous Arts is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy (VACS), a bilateral agreement with the Queensland and Australian governments. VACS contribute $600,000 a year towards Backing Indigenous Arts.
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Arts Minister Rod Welford announced the recipients of the latest round of grants from the Backing Indigenous Arts program as part of this week’s Community Cabinet meeting in Townsville.
“This is an investment in local arts projects and local artists,” Mr Welford said.
“It’s vital that we continue to support arts in the regions, so that the sector can continue to develop.”
Mr Welford said the $1.045 million in funding would be shared among nine arts centres and three arts hubs with a further $317,000 earmarked for 19 Building Skills and Opportunities arts projects.
“These great projects include the development of a full-length dance production inspired by Native Title campaigner Eddie “Koiki” Mabo and the revitalisation of a cultural museum in a rainforest,” he said.
“Earlier investments from the $10.73 million Backing Indigenous Arts program have already seen strong results for our artists.
“Printmaking workshops in Townsville last year led to a major commission for nine Indigenous artists to create 400 works for a newly-refurbished Townsville hotel and an accompanying exhibition, both opening in July.”
Mr Welford said the Indigenous arts centre grants for 2008-09 would allow councils and organisations to develop specific programs for their local communities.
“For example, Aurukun Shire Council will receive $100,000 to put towards exhibitions, artist-in-residence programs and attendance at the Laura Aboriginal Dance and Cultural Festival, one of Australia’s most well-established and vibrant cultural festivals,” he said.
“This funding will also help artists and art centres create work to be showcased as part of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, another key element of Backing Indigenous Arts, taking place from 21 – 23 August 2009.
Backing Indigenous Arts is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy (VACS), a bilateral agreement with the Queensland and Australian governments. VACS contribute $600,000 a year towards Backing Indigenous Arts.
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000