Noosa artists thrive thanks to RADF support

Four local creative industries projects have received a combined cash boost of over $28,000 with the announcement of the latest round of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grants. 

Local band Ampersand is being supported by the latest round of RADF grants. 

The latest round of funding supports several diverse and interesting projects. 

These include a Cooroy Future Group project to hold the 40 Under 40 Exhibition and Art Prize at The Butter Factory Arts Centre. This exhibition showcases a range of artists, aged 18-40, from the Noosa, Sunshine Coast, and Gympie regions. 

Another recipient is local band Ampersand, with the grant enabling them to record, market and release multiple singles, as well as film a music video and host a free launch event for their Debut EP, all in early 2024.   

Jarrod Tutbury, manager and keyboard player of Ampersand, praised the RADF funding. 

“As an independent young musician and manager, this grant makes all the difference to my own, and Ampersand's, career plans. We’re self-funded and could not possibly hope to front the kind of funds required for a project of this magnitude and quality."  

The long established RADF grants have supported a vast number of professionals, creatives and organisations to develop and present work and engage with audiences.  

Another recipient is Lucy Laino, a local artist, who will use her grant to create a series of free, accessible workshops, led by local artists. Local organisation, The Shelter SC PTY LTD, meanwhile, will use its grant to present We MORPH, a month-long development project culminating in a day-long art exhibition, combining music and immersive art installations. 

Council’s RADF Chairperson, Cr Karen Finzel, pointed out how RADF grants provide a wonderful opportunity for local people who have chosen careers in the creative sector to potentially grow individual capacity while simultaneously contributing to the Noosa’s diverse, vibrant and cultural identity, with global reach. 

"Funding allocated through RADF goes a long way in helping protect and cherish our emerging creatives, our cultural identity, and connection to place. It is essential and provides a sound investment into sustainable building blocks towards a thriving community,” Cr Finzel added. 

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Noosa Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.