Funding boost for Queensland Arts

17 arts organisations from across Queensland are to share $1.69 million funding as a result of the through the Queensland Government's Small to Medium (s2m) program - $400,000 more than was awarded last year.

Queensland Arts Minister Rachel Nolan recently announced the organisations, from Cairns all the way down to the Gold Coast, that will benefit, stating "the s2m program is one of the Government's key tools to support the arts, enabling hardworking companies to maintain their high standards and break new ground.

"It is about assisting organisations that are at the forefront of innovation and enabling them to demonstrate the excellence of Queensland arts across the country and internationally.

"This year we have given funding to organisations which have demonstrated this in their particular regions and art forms.

"A range of organisations including The Australian Voices, Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC), Transit Lounge Caboolture and UMI Arts have all received funding.

"Successful organisations demonstrated they were able to assist the Queensland arts sector by developing new work, creating jobs and enticing audiences to come along and enjoy the arts.

"This means 17 companies will be able to continue what they do best, including offering support services to local artists, holding industry workshops, providing professional development opportunities, or holding a community exhibition.

"For Queensland to sustain its thriving arts scene it is important to have a strong platform of small to medium sized companies and that is why in the 2011 - 12 State Budget the Bligh Government increased funding for this program.

"The increase has allowed for four extra companies to receive funding, from $1.28 million provided to 13 companies in 2011, to $1.69 million for 17 organisations in this round.

"This year's State Budget provided an extra $1 million per annum bringing the available funding pool for annual and triennial funding and industry development initiatives for 2012 to $11.3 million.

Overall, 48 organisations receive funding under the s2m organisations program with 31 organisations receiving triennial funding which was announced last year.

The full list of the recipients of s2m annual funding for 2012 is:

Arts Nexus - $80,000;
Flipside Circus - $70,000;
Vulcana Women's Circus - $70,000;
The Australian Dance Council Ausdance Queensland Inc - $171,000;
Camerata of St John's - $65,000;
Playlab $50,000;
Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre - $115,000;
UMI Arts - $100,000;
Swell Sculpture Festival - $70,000;
Transit LoungeCaboolture - $70,000;
BEMAC (Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre) - $70,000;
Queensland Arts Council - $250,000;
The Australian Voices Ensemble Ltd - $50,000;
Clocked Out - $70,000;
Queensland Poetry Festival (QPF) - $65,000;
Flying Arts - $220,000;
Australian Festival of Chamber Music - $110,000.

Image: Australian Festival of Chamber Music

For more information go to www.arts.qld.gov.au 

5th November 2010 - NEW FUNDING FOR 37 COMMUNITY FESTIVALS IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA