Four new service providers will lead the way in delivering local arts services across the state through the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN), boosting opportunities for regional Queenslanders to access high quality arts and cultural engagement, and supporting employment opportunities for artists and arts workers statewide.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said service providers Empire Theatres, Regional Development Australia Tropical North in consortium with Cook Shire Council, Topology and Central Queensland University would deliver the next phase of RASN, following last year’s EOI.
“These four providers will work in collaboration to deliver significant regional arts outcomes, as part of this next stage of RASN, helping to broker partnerships and empowering regions to realise arts and cultural priorities that drive change,” Minister Enoch said.
“RASN has an important role in growing Queensland’s cultural vibrancy and regional development, helping to lay solid foundations for the arts sector and communities to work together to realise economic and social recovery and embrace the future opportunities of Brisbane 2032.
“The evolution of RASN will position the network to harness the power of the arts to grow opportunities for artists and organisations in regional communities and drive strategic arts-led initiatives resulting in new investment and employment outcomes.
Minister Enoch said Palaszczuk Government investment of $7.8 million will deliver RASN over four years, to 30 June 2025, aligning with the priorities of the Palaszczuk Government’s Creative Together 10-year roadmap for arts, culture and creativity in Queensland.
Empire Theatres General Manager Kerry Saul said Empire Theatres was proud to be selected as the successful tenderer for the South Queensland Regional Arts Services Network.
“As the South-West Queensland provider over the past three years, we have seen great improvements in the connections of our regional arts networks, professional outcomes and first nations participation,” Mr Saul said.
“We look forward to again working with our communities and artists to continue to increase the value and strength of the arts across regional Queensland.”
“Since 2018, RASN has worked in partnership with local councils, artists, arts organisations and communities to create around 2000 new employment opportunities in the arts and cultural sector, leveraging almost $8.5 million in partnership investment in regional arts and cultural projects,” Ms Enoch said.
“RASN has brokered partnerships and invested in signature cultural tourism projects, such as Trailblazing the West in Western Queensland and the Savannah Way Art Trail in Far North Queensland, that will deliver key social benefits and economic outcomes for their regions and has helped build sector knowledge and capacity through the Creative Business Champions program.
“In 2021, Creative Business Champions connected more than 800 Queensland-based artists to arts industry experts, helping to support employment pathways and career sustainability for regional artists, arts workers and organisations as the sector navigated the impacts of COVID-19.
This service delivery approach will build high quality arts experiences across regional and remote Queensland, enhance collaboration in the brokering of partnerships, and support new touring circuits.
