Sunshine Coast arts sector to receive funding boost

November 27, 2019

Sunshine Coast artists and creatives will have the opportunity to access $165,000 in Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants during 2019/20 thanks to the continued partnership between Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government.

Council was successful in its application for $110,000 from the Queensland Government which, along with council’s contribution, will mean more than $265,000 will be invested into the local community through the RADF program this financial year.

RADF funds are focused on initiatives that align with the goals of the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan 2018-2038, a plan that provides a 20-year vision for arts in the region.

Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said it was fantastic that, through this successful funding partnership with the State Government, council was able to continue to invest in the local arts sector. It also provided a major injection of resources to work towards the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan goals.

“Through our, now very experienced, RADF volunteer assessment panel and program team we are building local creative leadership, celebrating our diverse local artists and building better engagement with our local community through arts and culture.

“Thanks to the tremendous support we’ve received from across our regions creative community since the endorsement of our first ever Arts Plan in 2018, we are already making strong progress on a number of the plan’s objectives.”

Queensland Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the State Government was proud to continue its RADF partnership with local governments with an investment of $2.08 million, through Arts Queensland, for the 2019-20 fund.

“This investment will support the delivery of hundreds of arts experiences and professional development opportunities across the state.

“Projects funded through RADF provide pathways for learning, contribute to the creation of jobs, foster creativity and boost cultural tourism.”

Last year, council received 74 applications through the RADF program, with 58 applicants being recommended for funding to develop their creative projects.

The 2018/19 grants program saw theatre predominate with 12 exciting projects developed for presentation in many unexpected places.

Writer/director Riley Cope’s ‘Inflight Entertainment’ was developed locally and debuted at Caloundra Air Museum during the Anywhere Festival in May to great acclaim.

Music projects have seen three studio recording projects across pop, blues and roots and have also provided funding support for classical music project Nocturne, spearheaded by internationally acclaimed local cellist Louise King.

A series of song-writing and guitar workshops for emerging musicians was also successful in being awarded funding with local musicians playing alongside national artists at Eudlo Music Nights.

Two choreographers were successful in securing funding for the creation of dance works. Courtney Sheu for the creative development of a contemporary dance work Plastic Belly and Chloe Lanham who will be developing Endless.

Image of classical music project Nocturne

15th October 2018 - Australian Cultural Ministers release consultation on future Major Performing Arts funding

19th February 2017 - Boosted arts funding platform reaches $3 million milestone

6th June 2016 - Equity New Zealand slams reduced Government arts funding

31st May 2016 - Arts funding to creatively transform small towns in Victoria

19th April 2016 - Victorian Government announces $115 million in new arts funding

19th April 2016 - Rally hears that South Australian arts funding at risk of being ‘decimated’

22nd March 2016 - Peak cultural body calls on Prime Minister Turnbull to reverse arts funding cuts

13th December 2015 - Australia Council announces $10.4 million in arts funding

3rd December 2015 - Senate inquiry slams Federal changes to arts funding

20th November 2015 - Federal Government rethinks arts funding with changes to unpopular NPEA initiative

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