ARTS FUNDING ADDS VALUE TO SCENIC RIM’S CULTURAL LIFE
Three projects which will enrich the cultural life of the Scenic Rim have been supported by Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund Program (RADF).
With an estimated value of more than $100,000 and ranging from writing to visual arts and community arts, dance and film, the three projects will receive $30,998 from the program’s second round of funding for 2019-20.
Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group Chair Cr Michael Enright said the Regional Arts Development Fund Program was a valuable partnership between Council and the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland, to support the professional development and employment of arts and cultural workers.
“As well as supporting our cultural community, the projects funded through the RADF program will enrich our region by helping to preserve the Scenic Rim’s Indigenous heritage and local history and enhance our sense of place,” he said.
"Applications for funding were considered by the Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group and assessed against criteria based on RADF guidelines and priorities identified in Council's Arts and Cultural Policy and Corporate Plan.
“The successful projects are diverse and reflect our region’s unique cultural landscape.”
Artist Kim Williams and the Traditional Mununjali Elders will receive funding towards the costs of staging the Mununjali Culture Camp to encourage and inspire Indigenous youth. Its focus will be on the revitalisation of Indigenous culture and include filming of a performance of the traditional Guillininni Story.
The history of Tamborine Mountain potters and clays will be celebrated in a grant awarded to ceramic artist Larissa Warren. The project aims to provide an online education resource and produce a new body of work reflecting the rich history of pottery in the mountain community.
Funding through RADF will also support the Beaudesert and District Community Arts Projects Inc’s commissioning of a south east Queensland sculptor to create a work based on the theme of Rowers on Wyaralong for the Wyaralong Sculpture Park.
“These projects are about transforming people and place and celebrating our region’s rich history and unique cultural identity,” Cr Enright said.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to continue its RADF partnership with local governments with an investment of $2.08 million, through Arts Queensland, for the 2019-20 fund.
“This investment supports the delivery of hundreds of arts experiences and professional development opportunities across the state,” Ms Enoch said.
“Projects funded through RADF provide pathways for learning, contribute to the creation of jobs, foster creativity and boost cultural tourism.”
A total of $99,970 was allocated through the RADF Program in 2019-20, with Council receiving $40,000 from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and contributing $30,000 to the funding pool. Funds totalling $29,970 were carried forward from 2018-19.
“Council is pleased to support projects which contribute to healthy, engaged and resourceful communities, in line with the shared vision of the Scenic Rim Community Plan,” Cr Enright said.