$40,000 for the arts in latest RADF grant round

Noosa Council has announced the latest round of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant recipients for 2017.

Eleven local arts projects will share in funding to the tune of $40,000.

Projects include In a Different Space – a short film and portrait series featuring new work by dancers from Ripe Dance, a Noosa-based seniors dance school run by choreographer, Gail Hewton.

This round also supports Ian Richter’s Negative Imagery: Making light of the dark – a Mental Health Week exhibition at the Cooroy Butter Factory that explores mental health issues.

“Music and theatre are covered too, with funds to support Anya La Zanya’s all-age instrument making, playing and performing workshops, plus Noosa Arts Theatre’s Queensland premiere of David Williamson’s Jack of Hearts,” RADF Committee Chair, Cr Jess Glasgow said.

A recycling art project, printmaking workshops and a mentoring program for young musicians are among the other recipients.

RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and councils to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

“It’s a fantastic partnership. Since 2014 the RADF program has provided more than $170,000 to assist more than 30 creative projects in Noosa,” Cr Glasgow said. 

“RADF also contributes to Council’s Grow Your Arts development program.”

Council matches the State’s funding 50/50.

Queensland Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) delivered on the Queensland Government’s commitment to foster diverse and inclusive communities, grow strong regions and provide training, education, and employment opportunities for Queenslanders. 

“The Queensland Government is contributing $2.08 million to leverage up to $1.92 million from local councils resulting in up to $4 million available to support arts and cultural activities throughout the state in 2016–17,” said the Premier.

“This funding promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of inclusive communities and strong regions and ensures Queenslanders can engage with arts locally,” she said.

“Each year around 500,000 people are involved in RADF projects as practitioners, participants or audience members.”

16 June 2017