RADF funding strengthens Queensland regional community-led arts and cultural experiences

A Queensland Government partnership with 59 regional local councils will see an investment of more than $4 million in 2022 – 2023 through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to strengthen community-led arts and cultural experiences while creating secure regional jobs in the industry.

QLD Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said as part of this successful, long-term collaboration, the State Government will provide $2.13 million from RADF 2022–2023 to a total of 59 local councils, who will contribute a co-investment amount of almost $2 million.

Minister Enoch noted “Established in 1991, RADF is a long-standing success story between the Queensland Government and regional councils, enabling local artists and arts workers to tell their rich and unique stories, while creating positive economic outcomes.”

Minister Enoch praised the RADF outcomes for 2021 – 2022 and shared “there have been hundreds of successful RADF recipients over the past year, each benefitting their local communities.

“Project highlights include a theatre in the round experience by Goat Track Theatre Company on Tamborine Mountain, an aerial silk production on the Cassowary Coast, a SketchFest by the Cairns Urban Sketchers and a local history app, podcast series and inaugural arts, crafts and music festival in Gladstone. 

“The creative diversity of RADF projects span the state, from an exhibition at the Noosa Regional Gallery telling the confronting story and 150-year history of Budgeree Dolls, through to dance development sessions and open-mic nights for musicians in the Logan region.

“RADF 2022-2023 will support our 10-year roadmap, Creative Together 2020 – 2030 to deliver on key priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, drive social change across the state, share our stories and celebrate our local storytellers.

“RADF projects continue to bolster regional access to rich arts and cultural experiences.”

Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Alison Smith said RADF was a vital program enabling councils to help celebrate the cultural and artistic fabric of their local communities.

“Every Queensland community deserves to be a liveable one, and programs like RADF help local communities promote and enjoy what makes them unique, which helps create vibrant places to live, work and play.”

For more information about RADF, applicants are encouraged to visit their local council’s website or www.arts.qld.gov.au. https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/

Image: Courtesy Goat Track Theatre Company on Tamborine Mountain