New financial support of $122,500 will be available to local artists from 1 October this year, after council and the Queensland Government partnered to boost the 2021-22 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
The Fund, established to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland, will increase by $32,500 on the previous year, with support provided in five categories: Public Art, Telling Ipswich’s Stories, Skills Development and Mentoring, Quick Response, and Projects up to three years duration.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said now more than ever the Ipswich creative sector needs support from the broader community.
“Aside from enriching our lives, the arts also contribute to our regional identity and economy through cultural tourism, stimulating the local economy and the development of regionally significant events, like the recent SPARK Ipswich festival,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council understands the pandemic has had a significant impact, and we are committed to empowering the creative community during the economic recovery.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee chairperson Cr Andrew Fechner said council is committed to supporting regionally significant events and artwork.
“RADF supports the development of locally produced and driven content, and this is crucial in supporting the diversity within our creative community,” Cr Fechner said.
“Council delivers community-led art experiences with tailored RADF programs based on the identified priorities, opportunities and capacity of Ipswich’s creative community.
Ipswich City Council has allocated $70,000 and Arts Queensland have allocated $52,500 in the 2021-22 RADF cycle to support the development of art and culture in Ipswich.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland 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 Queensland Government’s wider commitment to regional arts, including continued support of $6 million over four years for the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN).”
RADF has funded a diverse range of arts, cultural experiences, and community arts projects over the years, including professional development, art exhibitions, film script development, performance, mentorships, theatre plays and community building arts programs.
Applications for local-driven content and activities will open on 1 October 2021. Those interested in applying encouraged to read the guidelines and contact Council’s Creative Industries Development team on 07 3810 6148 to discuss their project and the application process.
Current members of the RADF Committee are:
- Debbie Chilton (Writing, Visual Arts, Crafts & Design, and Community Arts & Cultural Development)
- Donna Cavanagh (Visual Arts, Crafts & Design)
- Louise Merrington (Music, Writing, and Theatre)
- Nigel Lavender (Music, Theatre, Cultural Tourism, and Community Arts & Cultural Development)
- Shirley Whitta (Visual Arts, Crafts & Design)
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