Regional Arts Fund supports new experiences in Townsville
Herbert residents are among those of more than 60 regions who will enjoy greater access to cultural experiences such as dance, drama and First Nations art, thanks to the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP and Phillip Thompson, Member for Herbert said the Government was committed to helping artists promote local stories to local audiences in regional and rural areas including Townsville.
Mr Thompson said arts and cultural activities and experiences were important points of connection for Townsville, celebrating local talent, stories and experiences.
“Through the Regional Arts Fund, Lotus Place will conduct a series of visual arts workshops, while The Youth Network NQ will run Young Artists Camps bringing teenagers together with industry professionals.”
Minister Fletcher said the Government supports a wide range of high quality arts projects through the fund, including quick response and community grants as well as national strategic projects.
“Not only does Government support give a cultural boost to our regional communities so they remain vibrant cultural hubs, the funding also increases employment and professional development opportunities for our world-class artists and performers.”
A total of $1.1 million will be provided to support 71 arts and cultural projects through this round. Each year the Government provides around $3.5 million through the fund, which is delivered by Regional Arts Australia and organisations in each state and territory.
For more information about the Regional Arts Fund visit: www.arts.gov.au/raf
Projects funded in Herbert:
- Lotus Place – Reconciling Histories will be conducted in Rockhampton, Townsville (and Brisbane). A series of visual arts workshops designed to develop new skills, allowing participants to articulate (via the visual arts) a journey of Truth Telling, Justice Making and Healing, for people who have suffered abuse, neglect and trauma as children in institutional care. Following this project, exhibitions are planned for late 2020.
- The Youth Network NQ Inc – NQ Young Artists Camps will run a series of performance and industry skill- based activities prioritising North Queensland youth and regional professionals as the facilitators. The project will bring young aspiring performing and creative artists aged 13 -17 together to develop new skills, meet industry professionals and like-minded young people.
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