New funding schemes support Queensland touring arts

Two new funds will be investing in touring performing and visual arts projects throughout Queensland. Following extensive consultation with Arts organisations, the new Touring Queensland Fund (TQF) and Touring Queensland Fund Quick (TQFQuick) has opened replacing the Playing Queensland Fund (PQF).

The two touring funds will support a range of performances, exhibitions, workshops and arts in education programming including artist-in-residence programs in regional areas; and will also support regionally based artists to tour to Brisbane.

The new funds are designed to be more responsive, flexible and adaptable, giving communities across the state the opportunity to engage with more first-class arts experiences.

Queensland Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the arts are key to delivering the Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, each year injecting $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders.

Minister Enoch advised “The Touring Queensland Fund will support multi-tour applications, digital engagement that supplements live touring and also expands eligibility to support artists and arts workers.

“Arts touring in Queensland is one of the primary ways for regional communities to have access to an increased number of exciting and high-quality arts experiences.

“The Touring Queensland Fund will support multi-tour applications, digital engagement that supplements live touring and also expands eligibility to support artists and arts workers.

“Touring Queensland Fund Quick is designed to build on the success of the short-term funding programs Creative to Go and Play Local that were created as part of the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package in response to the impact of COVID-19.”

Minister Enoch added “this funding will provide a quick turnaround for applicants and will be responsive to the many great touring opportunities as they become available.

“As an example, Creative to Go supported 38 projects and 468 artists with funding of $592,165 to offset the costs of delivering live performances and engagement activities in regional venues.

“In addition, Play Local provided funding of $864,385 to 55 live music and performing arts venues throughout the state to host performances by Queensland acts and artists.”

Ozpix Entertainment received Creative to Go funding of $20,000 to present their production of Put on your Dancing Shoes featuring Humphrey B Bear with performances in Winton, Stonehenge, Jundah, Windorah, Eulo, Cunnamulla, Tambo, Blackall and Longreach.

Ozpix Entertainment Director, Craig A Kocinski said that without funding from the Queensland Government, the company would not have been able to make the show affordable for some of the smallest communities in Queensland.

“The feedback we’ve received is that the show is absolutely amazing. In Winton, 25% of the entire shire turned up to see Humphrey live!"

The new funds will contribute to a robust touring framework and align with the regional priorities highlighted in Creative Together 2020 – 2030 to deliver arts experiences, drive new creative work and employ Queensland artists and arts workers.

For more information go to www.qld.gov.au/recreation/arts/funding/individuals/touring-qld and www.qld.gov.au/recreation/arts/funding/individuals/touring-qld-quick-response

Image above of Ozpix Entertainment's production of 'Put on your Dancing Shoes' featuring Humphrey B Bear courtesy of ozpixent.com/