Innovative approach delivers $6.5M boost to arts across the state

Regional Queenslanders will have greater input into Queensland Government arts and culture investment made in their local communities as a result of a new approach to statewide arts delivery announced today.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Regional Arts Services Network was being created to identify and deliver regional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural initiatives across the state.

“This new network will establish and strengthen partnerships, collaborations, support the sustainable growth of regional arts, create more local arts jobs, and enhance additional cultural tourism opportunities,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Palaszczuk Government announced a funding commitment of $6.5 million over four years as part of the 2017-18 State Budget for Indigenous and regional arts initiatives, and in response to consultation this new network will deliver more opportunities for high-quality, accessible arts and cultural experiences in local communities.

“The statewide network will see a coordinated approach underpinned by dedicated locally-based regional arts officers.

“This new approach will build local arts sector capacity and encourage greater partnerships between industry, government and the private sector,” she said.

“Additionally, funding will be made available through a new dedicated stream within the Queensland Arts Showcase Program to support the local delivery of arts initiatives identified by the Regional Arts Services Network.”

Arts Queensland has today started the procurement process to establish the Regional Arts Services Network to identify companies across six regional areas that can deliver on-the-ground arts services in their communities.

“This process will also include the appointment of a state coordination office service to provide a secretariat function for the six identified regions, including statewide planning, communications, and a connector to arts funding opportunities,” Ms Enoch said.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Regional Arts Services Network opens today (18 January) and closes 4 April 2018.

More information can be found at arts.qld.gov.au/regionalartsservicesEOI

ENDS
MEDIA: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987