Local artists to shine on stage thanks to federal funding
North Queensland musicians will have the chance to take to the stage and showcase their talents at a family-friendly event in the first half of this year.
Federal Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the Neighbourhood Sessions Music Festival would be made possible with more than $56,000 worth of funding through the Federal Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, awarded to Townsville production company Neighbourhood Productions.
“Our local arts community has been doing it really tough through the pandemic with opportunities to stage events and play to live audiences few and far between,” Mr Thompson said.
“Not only have artists missed out on income, but the flow-on effect to the events industry – the lighting, sound and logistics companies, the venues – has been really significant too.
“It’s a real shame because we have so much talent in Townsville which is why we pushed for this great event to receive this funding, and provide employment and the retention of skills for artists, arts workers, and the production industry.”
Neighbourhood Productions company director Nicole Cross said the festival would focus on placing regional North Queensland artists on the same lineup as more established touring acts.
“Being awarded RISE funding has been the most incredible start to our year and restores our hope for the future of our events business,” Ms Cross said.
“In a time of such uncertainty, it allows us to start planning and getting excited about what is possible again.
“This event will place a focus on Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming touring artists and of course, our beloved local artists as well. It will give our music community a chance to come together and start feeling normal again.
“It is important to note, that in the absence of this funding, this event would be substantially less likely to proceed. It is so valued, so necessary, and it will allow us to come out stronger after a very difficult couple of years of uncertainty and heartbreak.”
Neighbourhood Productions was hit hard by the pandemic, with impacts including the cancellation of the Neck Of The Woods Music Festival in 2020 and postponement in 2021, resulting in significant financial loss.
More information on the RISE Fund can be found at https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/rise-fund.
ENDS