Investment secures jobs and sustains the arts

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing its support for the arts sector, including live music venues, as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch today announced applications are open for grant programs supporting live music venues and arts and cultural organisations; as well as jobs for artists and arts workers.

Minister Enoch said the support included new rounds for the Live Music Support Program and the Sustain Recovery Fund 2021-22, and the Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund.

“Round 3 of the Live Music Support Program will provide further financial relief for dedicated indoor live music venues and acknowledges the vital role they play in creating jobs and opportunities for new talent, musicians, technicians and other creatives,” Ms Enoch said.

“Our investment in Queensland’s live music sector has already delivered nearly $11 million to 37 live music venues such as the Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall and the Triffid in Brisbane, alongside venues from Cairns to Currumbin, and inland to Toowoomba.”

Minister Enoch also announced applications are open for the Sustain Recovery Fund 2021-22, which will support signature Queensland arts and cultural tourism events and festivals impacted by COVID -19 restrictions, program cancellations and access to interstate audiences.

“This support will ensure the ongoing viability of affected organisations, so they are in a strong position to deliver programming in 2022,” Minister Enoch said.

Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund project start dates have been extended and will now close on 31 March 2022, for activities commencing before 30 June 2022.

Minister Enoch said the Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund, introduced earlier this year, was delivering benefits to independent artists, especially in the live music sector.

“To date, more than 80% of the Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund recipients are independent artists and companies, and approximately 50% were live music performers.

“Significantly, out of those live music Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund recipients, a substantial proportion were First Nations artists, which is a great outcome.”   

Lorinda May Merrypor, proud Kuungkari Woman, performer and presenter received funding of $37,846 through TQQF Quick for her Some Kind Of Wonderful & Let's Connect Workshop.

“I am so appreciative of the Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund which will allow me to continue my work in Queensland’s remote and regional Aboriginal communities - taking my concert and my inspirational message to young people,” Ms Merrypor said.

Minister Enoch also announced applications are open for the new Independent Creation Fund, which will support jobs for artists and arts workers as the sector emerges from the impacts of COVID-19.

“The new Independent Creation Fund works to support key employers of independent artists and arts workers such as small to medium arts organisations, and eligible venues to create jobs for independent artists and arts workers,” Minister Enoch said.

“It will provide grants up to $40,000 to support employment of artists, artist collaborators, producers, designers, technicians, freelance and other arts workers for up to 12 months.” 

Minister Enoch said the Independent Creation Fund was the latest funding opportunity realised through the two-year dedicated $22.5M two-year Arts and Cultural Recovery Package.

“Queensland’s positive health response, together with a clear pathway through the COVID-19 vaccination plan, means increased certainty for the arts sector, with larger and interstate audiences soon to be able to enjoy Queensland’s rich arts experiences,” Ms Enoch said.

“Since the onset of the pandemic the Palaszczuk Government has committed more than $79 million to stabilise the sector, including the Recovery Package and the recent commitment of a further $7 million to support live music.”

Minister Enoch said the range of funding programs would help Queensland retain and grow its creative workforce while supporting cultural tourism, regional development and local jobs.

“The arts are key to delivering our Government’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, each year contributing $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms Enoch said.

For more information on the latest funding opportunities available for artists and arts companies visit: www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding

Dropbox link to audio grabs available here.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Minister Enoch’s Office: 0437 859 987