Culture champions herald arts for all Queenslanders

Arts Minister Ian Walker has announced the State’s first Culture Champions as part of a campaign to encourage Queenslanders to be arts advocates and have a say on a future plan for the arts.

The first Culture Champions are; Li Cunxin, Scott Prince, Kate Miller-Heidke, Sharyn Ghidella, Michelle Xen, Natalie Weir, Gail Sorronda, Deb Mostert and Nathanael Cooper.

Mr Walker said these people were chosen for the great work they are already doing in the arts across the state and will inspire other Queenslanders to name culture champions in their own communities.

“Arts Queensland wants to celebrate those inspiring people in the arts and to involve everyone around the state in planning for our state’s arts and cultural future,” Mr Walker said.

“We’re doing this through the Culture Champion campaign and by asking people to have a say on the Arts for all Queenslanders strategy.

“We already have strategy workshops planned this week for Mackay, Cairns and Townsville.

“The Arts for all Queenslanders strategy will grow the arts sector, foster a community of arts, and develop Queensland as a cultural tourism hub.

“We hope this discussion paper will be a springboard for all to give feedback on the future of arts and culture in Queensland.”

Mr Walker said the Newman Government recognised the arts and cultural sector as a vital part of our state’s cultural and economic life.

“We also recognise all Queenslanders working in the arts do so in different ways,” he said.

“Our Champions are a good example of this – Li for his great work in taking the Queensland Ballet to new heights; Brisbane Broncos player Scott Prince for his work promoting reading and writing; Kate Miller-Heidke as an inspiring performer and songwriter; Sharyn Ghidella for her support for the arts through her work with arts boards; Natalie Weir for her longstanding career as a choreographer and artistic director of Expressions Dance Company;  Deb Mostert for her work with the visual arts, Michelle Xen as an example of a young artist working across the arts and Arts editor from the Courier Mail Nathanael Cooper whose daily work keeps the arts front of mind for the people of Queensland.”

“I encourage you all to get involved - there are some great prizes to give away including tickets to arts events around the state to people who join our Culture Champions campaign,” he said

Go to www.arts.qld.gov.au/AFAQ to read the Arts for all Queenslanders strategy discussion paper and to answer the survey. For information on Culture Champions go to www.arts.qld.gov.au/culturechampions or email culturechampions@arts.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 26 June 2013
Media Contact:           Alex Bernard   0417 252 563/Casie Scott        0432 453 225