RADF grants boost art and cultural projects

Artists, musicians, filmmakers and performers across the region will share in more than $117,000 in funding through Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Ten community projects will share in $92,000 as part RADF Major Round Two funding, while the $25,000 RADF City of the Arts Hero Project grant will support the production of the Shine on Gimuy festival.

Shine on Gimuy is a new festival to be held on the Cairns waterfront precinct later this year, which will tell local First Nations stories through curated immersive sound and light shows.

To be run by Julie Brooks and Merryn Hughes from Shine On Productions, the festival’s program has been curated and developed in collaboration with local artists and First Nations organisations.

Mayor Bob Manning said RADF offered an opportunity to enhance local arts and culture.

“RADF has helped hundreds of local projects get off the ground and delivered positive outcomes for communities across the region,” Cr Manning said.

“Art contributes greatly to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of Cairns, as we work towards being an Arts and Cultural Capital of Northern Australia.”

Successful recipients of RADF Major Round Two funding are:

  • Amber Grossmann for creative and professional development of Goodbye Eli Anderson – $9,972
  • Clare Meere for an album recording project – $10,000
  • Joel Huey (aka Joel Devereux) for the “Infinitely” short film project – $8,811
  • Maria Julia Fujita for the “To Inspire” album recording – $10,000
  • Mariana Verdaasdonk for The Nature of Nature exhibition – $9,460
  • Melanie Stevens (aka Melania Jack) for “Hot & Heavy” show – $9,689
  • Oliver Marsden for “Beyond the Waves” animated film project – $10,000
  • Patricia Wood for the “Sonar so far” performance – $4,868
  • Rebecca Youdell for “Untethered” residency project – $10,000
  • Ricky Beresford for Life Sounds Like (The Film) project – $10,000

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said as part of this successful, long-term collaboration, the Queensland Government will provide $2.13 million for RADF 2022–2023 to a total of 59 local councils.

“For 31 years, RADF has provided a legacy of creating new art and cultural experiences for Queensland audiences and communities, and a platform for professional development and growth across the regional arts sector,” Minister Enoch said.

“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.”

Delivered as a partnership between Arts Queensland (State Government) and Cairns Regional Council, RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage in the community as drivers of diversity and inclusiveness.

(*All funding amounts are excluding GST.)

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