New and streamlined funding programs launched for Queensland arts sector

The Queensland Government has launched new and streamlined arts funding programs to boost creative employment and skills development, grow First Nations arts, provide increased funding certainty and foster partnerships and collaborations to increase new investment into the state’s creative industries.

QLD Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch notes “building on the foundation of the first two-years of Creative Together, the ten-year roadmap to renew and transform the state through creativity, and in response to arts sector feedback, I am thrilled to launch these investment opportunities underpinned by a $50 million funding boost over four years to realise the roadmap’s next action plan, Grow 2022 – 2026.

“These funds include a streamlined and refreshed Queensland Arts Showcase Program, First Nations Commissioning Fund and Touring Queensland Fund.

“In addition, a new Strategic Partnerships Fund is now available with a focus on leveraging State Government investment into our arts sector through co-investment and collaborations, strengthening creative business growth, and delivering inclusive, high-quality arts and cultural experiences that enhance our great Queensland lifestyle.

“Importantly, new multi-year project funding across these programs recognises the sector’s need to secure funding certainty to support the development and presentation of new work and deliver larger scale projects and cultural experiences.

“This investment will enable the development of a significant body of new Queensland creative work and events that will activate Queensland communities and showcase uniquely Queensland stories as we look to sharing our arts and culture on a global stage.

To celebrate and amplify Queensland music, additional support of $10,000 is also available through the First Nations Commissioning Fund and the Queensland Arts Showcase Program to commission new live or recorded music by Queensland-based composers, musicians, or librettists as part of a project.

Minister Enoch adds “these funds will be underpinned by our Cultural Engagement Framework and will be the first to be assessed through a new peer assessment panel model, with 50% First Nations representation on all panels and 100% First Nations representation for First Nations-specific funds.

“These assessors will provide strategic oversight across specific funding programs for up to two years.

“In addition, following a recent EOI process, investment through Grow 2022-2026 is supporting bursaries for ten First Nations delegates from Queensland to attend the Purrumpa First Nations Arts and Cultural Gathering in Adelaide later this month, providing an important opportunity to inform the national conversation and elevate First Nations arts in Queensland.”   

Georgina Richters, Chair First Nations Arts and Cultures Panel and Deputy Chair Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Committee notes “Brisbane 2032 provides us an extraordinary catalyst to celebrate the diversity and quality of Queensland arts and cultures nationally and internationally.

“The new and reimagined funds provide exciting opportunities to apply the principles of the Cultural Engagement Framework and elevate First Nations arts and cultures in readiness to thrive beyond 2032.”

For more information on these new funds, go to www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding