Local artists and community groups encouraged to apply for RADF grants
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Art exhibitions, intensive workshops, digital projections, educational murals, and the recording of a five track EP are just some of the ways a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant has assisted Livingstone residents in bringing their vision to life.
Artists and arts practitioners have a chance to apply for funding through the ongoing programme, which is designed to help local artist’s kick-start their projects and share them with the wider community.
RADF Panel Member Anni Simmons said while they receive many worthy applications from the local community in Livingstone, there is always room for more if artists were thinking of applying for the first time.
“Livingstone Shire has an amazing array of talented and creative people,” Anni said.
“Whether they be musicians making original music, visual artists, poets, playwrights, storytellers, or film makers, whether they be established or emerging, they are here in Livingstone.
“I find the majority of projects submitted are exciting because you are able to give people the chance to fulfil an artistic dream. A few of my favourites have been the Gospel Choir, Deb Dekovic’s project to develop music workshops for people living with a disability or dementia, and also the Footlights Theatre project that involved youth. I think the ones with diversity and that engage with the wider community really excite me.”
Councillor Rhodes Watson, Portfolio Holder of Vibrant Community (Tourism, Events and Culture), said, the programme is designed to support quality arts and cultural experiences across Queensland, including Livingstone Shire.
“RADF is a joint initiative between the Queensland Government and Livingstone Shire Council that encourages creators to use their imagination, ideas, or skills, to produce visual, auditory, or performing pieces,” Cr Watson said.
“Whatever the case, the arts are a key component of building a strong community fabric, by connecting people in many different ways.
“I encourage artists of all forms to apply and look forward to seeing more creative projects taking place across our region.”
Cr Watson said applications for RADF Round One 2021/2022 funding will be open for a six-week period, from 16 August to 26 September.
“Recent funding recipients included song-writing workshops in conjunction with The Village Festival by Brad Butcher, Local Film production by Blue Eagle Productions and Creative Arts Retreat at The Caves Capricorn Caverns Pty Ltd,” Cr Watson said.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.08 million through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in 2021-22, matched with a contribution of approximately $2.3 million from 59 councils across the state.
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,” Minister Enoch said.
“RADF in 2021–2022 will provide valuable social, health and economic outcomes for regional Queenslanders, and support our Government’s 10-year arts roadmap priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, and drive social change across the state.
“Our investment complements the Palaszczuk Government’s wider commitment to regional arts, including continued support of $6 million over four years for the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN).”
Funding will be available for projects beginning after 1 November, 2021.
To find out more about the Regional Arts Development Fund, please visit: https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/living-here/my-community/grants-and-funding