Six Townsville artists and groups can move ahead with their creative projects with almost $50,000 in Regional Arts Development Funds (RADF) grants approved during Townsville City Council’s last week.
RADF is a partnership between Council and the Queensland Government which funds projects that promote and develop the arts, culture and heritage in Townsville.
RADF 2020/2021 round two includes $49,739 spread across the six artistic projects.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the six projects were selected for their strength and the return they would provide for the Townsville community.
“It’s great to see the Townsville arts community bounce back strong following a difficult year last year with the height of the pandemic taking a toll on creative industries,” Cr Greaney said.
“We have six really exciting projects that the RADF Interim Panel has assessed. These include a music video shot in Townsville, a group exhibition focused on recycling, recording a debut album, a projected exhibition, a full-length play and a comedy theatre production.
“This wide array of creative projects just go to show how much talent our city is bursting with, and Council is proud to be able to support these artistic endeavours through RADF.”
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said that the long-standing RADF program would help to boost Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, supporting artists and arts workers with employment opportunities through $4.2 million in funding for regional cultural projects.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.08 million in RADF for 2020-21 and an additional $2.13 million will be contributed by 59 councils across Queensland,” Minister Enoch said.
“Each year RADF showcases the extraordinary innovation of the arts and cultural sector in regional communities, delivers rich arts experiences and provides important professional opportunities for artists and arts workers.”
RADF grant awardees
Isabelle Reynaud (performing as Idadoré) for Sun Queen music video
Isadoré will work with regional artists across different mediums to produce a music video for the title track off her new EP Sun Queen.
Michael Pope for Brac-a-brac
Curated artists will create a small body of work in response to local antique store Virgil’s Antiques. The artists’ works may document the goings on of the second hand store, be a playful recreation of objects and trinkets found within or use and repurpose things directly from the store to create new art.
Nicole Cross (performing as Colie) for her debut album
Colie will create a professional studio recording of her eponymous album Colie, as well as shoot a music video for the lead single and hold an album launch event with Neighbourhood Sessions to celebrate the release with the local community.
Zuni Drake for The Artists Model
This project showcases in PowerPoint/MP3 format, images of artworks created during and after life drawing workshops by 15 local artists. A public preview will be held during PUNQ.
Michael Sams for a full-length play development
Sams will write a full-length play with a through-line of fatherhood that also explores issues including but not limited to first love, discrimination, body image, impact of divorce, duty, familial obligation, patriotism and mental decline in old age. He will have dramaturgical support from Brisbane-based theatre practitioner Michael Futcher.
Theatre of Diversion for Flush It (Working Title)
The project will result in producing an original musical theatre production for the Northern Fringe Festival. The show will be a 40-minute comedy following seven characters who confront their fears and grievances in a bathroom.
