A locally produced dramatic production titled Hildegard and Volmar: the saint, the monk, his love and her vision, that will be performed on the Sunshine Coast this year before heading to Germany in 2020, is one of the beneficiaries in the latest round of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants.
The funding round awarded almost $50,000 to Sunshine Coast artists.
Thirteen creative and development projects spanning theatre, dance, music, writing and visual arts were funded through major and individual development grants, plus one three-year seed funding project.
The Hildegard and Volmar project, by local artist Amanda Cole in collaboration with Kim Kirkman, will create an original dramatic work with music to convey this unknown story of mentorship and mutual regard.
The artists received a major RADF grant of $8000 for the development of the production.
Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the calibre of applicants, for what was another competitive Regional Arts Development Fund grant round, continued to rise and this reflected the quality, range and depth of artists that call the Sunshine Coast home.
“From the Hildegard and Volmar production to a sketch animation by Alicia Sharples and two artist-facilitated community workshops with Aleta Bates teaching portraiture techniques, RADF supports artists to test and realise innovative ideas, developing their arts practice so they can remain based here on the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Baberowski said.
“I always enjoy seeing the ever-changing range of applications come through our regions RADF program; it’s so important we help strategically develop our local talent pool and this round shows our artists are reaching into national and international markets and audiences.
“That’s important if they are going to succeed creatively and economically.”
Queensland Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said investing in creative and cultural experiences through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) strengthened regional communities, boosted cultural tourism, and enhanced the quality of life in rural and remote towns and cities.
“RADF is a unique partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local talent, unite communities and celebrate the arts across the state”, Ms Enoch said.
“The Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland, is contributing $2.08 million in 2018-19 in partnership with councils statewide to help deliver cultural experiences which align with local priorities.
Expressions of interest for the next round of RADF funding are now open.
Information Session: 10.30am, January 23
