Young musicians Abi Muir and Talitha Jae Power are among 10 local artists, entertainers and cultural groups to share in more than $86,000 from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program.
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.
Both Abi Muir and Talitha Jae Power have been awarded grants to help them produce their debut EP recording.
Mayor Bob Manning said the latest round of funding will assist a broad array of creative projects ranging from performing arts, film and studio recording projects.
“Hundreds of local projects have over the years been assisted by RADF grants, which deliver positive outcomes for communities across the region,” Cr Manning said.
“These successful projects represent a chance for people to engage with the vibrancy and depth of our arts community.”
The latest round of funding will deliver a range of creative opportunities and events to the community, including a series of projection art masterclasses and talks led by ex-Cairns High Student and renowned artist Yandell Walton in connection with her exhibition titled ‘Shifting Surrounds’ at Northsite Contemporary Arts in February 2021.
Cairns and District Chinese Association will undertake the conservation treatment of a ceremonial lion head mask in order to preserve the object as part of their nationally significant collection.
The grants will also assist ARC Disability Services Inc. create a film production of ‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Married’ as a follow on from the previous short film ‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating’ with the aim of taking a professional local diversity screen project to national film festival audiences.
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.”
