Funding to support new arts and cultural experiences for Queenslanders

• Miles Government investment of almost $1.3 million through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program is supporting 21 new and diverse arts and cultural projects across the State. 
• Embedded in this project funding is a boost to creative employment and arts sector capacity, with $111,637 supporting three industry placements.
• Four projects have secured $10,000 each to support the commissioning of new live or recorded music by Queensland-based artists.

Communities from Currumbin to Cairns and Clermont will enjoy new arts and cultural experiences, performances and exhibitions with Queensland Government investment of $1,261,141 supporting 21 diverse and engaging projects across the state.

The latest round of the Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) is supporting projects across the spectrum of art forms, from new music, musical theatre, literature and visual arts, including the creation and sharing of works by First Nations artists and arts workers.

Three projects have secured funding for industry placements to grow the state’s creative workforce and boost sector capacity, while four projects supported through QASP will receive dedicated funding to commission new music by Queensland-based artists.

Gold Coast-based Proudfoot Productions will receive project and Industry Placement funding to build on First Nations performer and children’s entertainer Lucas Proudfoot’s hugely successful interactive live stage musical Proudfoot and Friends. 

Abbey Museum of Art & Archaeology will develop and present a sculptural Acknowledgment of Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) Country designed by Traditional Custodian Lyndon Davis; and Griffith Review - Queensland Stories will provide professional development and industry experience for First Nations editors to commission, develop, publish and promote 10 new works by First Nations writers.

Southern Cross Soloists (SXS) will commission and present new works with celebrated didgeridoo soloist Chris Williams; and Meanjin/Brisbane-based performer, composer and music researcher Libby Munro will create, perform and record POSTCARDS: a new Australian song-cycle exploring themes of ‘home’. 

The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra will expand the company’s regional touring of concerts and education programs to include Gympie, Maryborough and Bundaberg, featuring the premiere of new music by Queensland composer Nicole Murphy, and digital releases.

Somerset Regional Council’s The Condensery will present an exhibition and performances of poetry and music by one of Australia’s most important living poets, artists and activists, Lionel Fogarty, while the Central Highlands Festival of Bands will present a series of wind band and choir workshops and school and community performances, culminating in a gala concert.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:

“Queensland’s incredibly diverse and talented artists and arts organisations play an essential role documenting and presenting our state’s unique stories, activating communities, and attracting visitors to all corners of the state through vibrant arts and cultural experiences.

“This latest investment of almost $1.3 million through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program will support artists and arts workers state-wide to develop and present an exciting array of arts and cultural experiences for communities in Queensland, that will help to strengthen our cultural reputation and creative economy.

“The Miles Government’s Creative Together 2020–2030 roadmap for arts, culture and creativity prioritises a strong and sustainable sector including elevating First Nations arts, strengthening communities, and celebrating our stories and storytellers.

“Investment in the development of new arts and cultural work now will help ensure Queensland is well positioned to showcase our unique stories on the global stage of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Quotes attributable to successful QASP recipient Carolyn Emge, Flotsam Festival Director:

"Staged as a multi-site arts trail, Flotsam Festival is an annual platform for film and photography creatives that celebrates the Gold Coast region’s rich connection to surf and beach culture via world-class imagery and storytelling,” Ms Emge said.

“As a grateful recipient, the Queensland Arts Showcase Program Round 4 funding means the festival will be able to extend support available to photographic artists in the form of innovative new event development and presentation.

“It helps create further opportunities for Queensland artists of all ages and abilities to extend their practice through mentorships, workshops and forums,” she said.

For a list of all Round 4 QASP recipients visit Queensland Arts Showcase Program round 4 recipients

ENDS

Media contact – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563