Arts and cultural practitioners of all genres are invited to apply for a share in grant funding to support their projects.
Applications are now open for Major Round One grant (grants up to $10,000) as part of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program for projects that start after 17 January 2022.
The RADF program is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Arts and cultural organisations, groups and individuals are eligible to apply to the Cairns RADF program.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the arts community was among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The arts and our local artists contribute greatly to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of Cairns and the community,” Cr Manning said.
“I am sure our arts community will be looking to funding programs like RADF to deliver projects and contribute to the recovery of this important sector as venues and opportunities open up again.”
Arts and cultural activities that demonstrate a professional standard of work and contribute to the vitality and diversity of the arts industry in the Cairns region may be eligible for financial assistance.
RADF has helped more than 400 local projects get off the ground since the program started at Cairns Regional Council. RADF funding has a flow on effect across a number of business areas such as fabricators, designers, photographers and publishers.
Each year more than 500,000 people engage with RADF projects across Queensland, ranging from public art installations, to local festivals and arts and cultural workshops, either as practitioners, participants or audience members.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.08 million through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in 2021-22, matched with a contribution of approximately $2.3 million from 59 councils across the state.
“RADF is a great example of working together to deliver our COVID-19 economic recovery plan, supporting employment opportunities and creating new arts and cultural experiences in local and regional communities,” Minister Enoch said.
“RADF in 2021-2022 will provide valuable social, health and economic outcomes for regional Queenslanders, and support our Government’s 10-year arts roadmap priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, and drive social change across the state.”
“Our investment complements the Palaszczuk Government’s wider commitment to regional arts, including continued support of $6 million over four years for the Regional Arts Services Network,” she said.
Applications for Major Round One close at 5pm on Friday 22 October 2021.
