Bumper funding to support Queensland’s Arts sector

The Palaszczuk Government’s support for live music venues, artists and vibrant arts experiences is rolling out swiftly with over $3 million provided to the sector, supporting Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19 .   

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch has told a Parliamentary Committee today that this vital injection into Queensland’s arts sector includes nearly $1 million committed to nine Queensland venues as part of the Live Music Support Program, part of the additional $7 million the Palaszczuk Government is investing in the state’s live music venues in 2021-2022.

“In addition, project grant funding of $1,358,000 from Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) Round 4 will support 33 vibrant and accessible arts and cultural projects,” Minister Enoch said.

“Finally, the Touring Queensland Fund (TQF) and Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund (TQFQ) will support 31 tours with over $1 million to date to hit the road, delivering performances, exhibitions and workshops across Queensland.

“The live music industry and the arts sector have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to helping sustain the sector through these challenging times.

“Live music venues play a vital role in creating jobs and opportunities for artists, technicians, venue staff and related small businesses, and this nearly $1 million investment acknowledges that, with more outcomes to be known in the coming weeks..

“Specific support for the music industry has already been provided through the package, including $1.8 million for 30 live music venues across the state, including through the first round of the Live Music Support Program and the earlier Live Music Venue Support program.

“Our Government has worked closely with the live music sector and through Queensland’s music industry peak body, QMusic, to best support the sector and respond to future challenges.”

Daniel Rodriguez, Director, Mrs J Rabbits Speakeasy said the funding is a lifeline for the Woolloongabba venue.

“We still have a few challenges ahead of us, but we are staying positive and hoping to start live jazz and events when we can open again," Mr Rodriguez said.

Empowering at risk youth, telling Queensland stories, raising community spirit, elevating First Nations, and showcasing local talent are just some of the extraordinary outcomes from the Queensland Arts Showcase Program’s (QASP) latest funding investment of $1,358,000.  

“The latest round of recipients will see the delivery of a unique range of projects, supporting employment opportunities for the arts sector and creating vibrant arts experiences for communities across the state.  

“This includes nearly $50,000 for Townsville’s Theatre iNQ’s adaptation of a classic play by Bertolt Brecht; $60,000 for Up in the Airlock Season 2, a series of streamed performances showcasing emerging and established Queensland contemporary music artists; and nearly $60,000 to support the 2021 Wynnum Fringe Festival.

Since QASP opened in September 2015, 560 applicants have shared in funding support totalling more than $20 million.

Minister Enoch said Queenslanders love to applaud exceptional performances and exhibitions, and the Palaszczuk Government’s TQF and TQFQ programs are investing in touring productions, supporting artists to entertain new audiences while profiling local artists, growing regional development and boosting cultural tourism opportunities within local communities. 

“Importantly this investment will not only ensure regional Queenslanders can experience fantastic work, it will also support regional artists to showcase their work and grow their audience reach in Brisbane and beyond,” Ms Enoch said.

Roy Kellaway from King Stingray said, “We are so incredibly happy to receive funding through Arts Queensland for our upcoming single launch and regional tour of Queensland.

“It really means so much to us as young artists and we are absolutely frothing to rock out with everyone in the beautiful sunshine state. It is difficult for emerging artists such as ourselves to tour the great state of Queensland, especially those hard to reach rural areas. We are incredibly grateful and excited to continue our journey as a young band playing our own version of Yolŋu surf rock,” Mr Kellaway said.

“We hope this tour will lead to future events for us and emerging artists like us who thrive in the live music communities.”

The arts, cultural and creative sectors are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, each year injecting $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders.

Minister Enoch said since the onset of COVID-19 the Palaszczuk Government has committed to more than $79 million worth of measures to stabilise and sustain the arts sector, including our dedicated $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package, with around $5 million delivered to the live music sector to date.

Applications for Round 2 of the Live Music Support Program remain open until 16 August for eligible dedicated live music venues throughout Queensland.  

Arts Queensland is working with funding recipients who may need to postpone or reframe their project or activity to accommodate the potential impacts of necessary COVID-19 health directions.

For more information about Arts Queensland funding programs recipients visit www.arts.qld.gov.au

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:   Debbie Turner  0437 859 987