City’s art and culture secures $1.8 million funding boost

The City’s investment in arts and culture continues to grow with the announcement today of $1.8 million in funding over three years to nine Gold Coast arts organisations. 

The Arts Organisations Triennial Grants Program supports the continued growth of the sector building capacity for these organisations to deliver high-quality cultural products which in turn provide an economic benefit for the coast.

Mayor Tom Tate said the City’s investment in arts and culture over the past four years had been extremely successful with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games proving the perfect stage to show how the sector had matured and grown.

“There is a lot of talent in this city and by providing long-term operational funding to organisations and collectives we are helping future proof the sector,” Mayor Tate said.

“It gives them the ability to be ambitious and bold in their creative endeavours.”

Mayor Tate said a recent report by The Bureau of Communications and Arts Research (Department of Communications and the Arts*) shows creative activity contributed $111.7 billion to Australia’s economy in 2016-17, a 30% increase in value from 2008 to 2017.

“We recognised the potential for the arts and culture sector to be a key driver of economic growth and prosperity in 2013 with the launch of our Culture Strategy.”

This is the second round of Triennial Funding with the first grants being awarded in 2015. 

“I’m pleased to see award winning organisations like The Farm and Shock Therapy receiving funding alongside iconic events such as the Gold Coast Film Festival and Gold Coast Music Awards,” he said.

Recipients of the organisational funding are:

• Everybody Now - delivering dynamic contemporary arts experiences.  Funding will support the company to bring people together with a focus on belonging, connection and expression.

• Gogi Dance Collective – an immersive dance and physical theatre company. Funding will support the development of a large-scale work, touring and schools initiatives, and the presentation of work locally.

• Gold Coast Film Festival - bringing diverse Australian and International films, filmmakers and screen events to the Gold Coast. Funding will support the promotion and skills development of emerging local and Australian filmmakers. 

• Gold Coast Music Awards –an exciting and recognised industry awards event. Funding will support GCMA to review and strengthen its business model and expand its impact into sector professional development initiatives. 

• Relative Creative – an ever-evolving creative space for design, social innovation and cultural activity. Funding will support the introduction of a unique and industry leading Design Lab, incorporating a contemporary program of collaborations, workshops, exhibitions and forums.

• Shock Therapy Productions - a growing independent, multidisciplinary performance company and local leader in the creation of innovative new work. Funding will support engagement of a creative producer amongst other initiatives.

• Somerset Storyfest – a leading children’s literature festival that is growing to encompass the broader community. Funding will support a series of literary events writers’ festival, workshops and masterclasses. 

• The Farm – an award-winning collective of dance and theatre artists, creating innovative work through collaboration. Funding will support the company to grow its repertoire, expand touring opportunities. 

• The Walls Art Space – connecting people with current and experimental art on the Gold Coast. Funding will support organisational resilience, artists ‘in-residence’ opportunities, plus an annual program of curated exhibitions and events.   

Links to video content of Relative Creative https://vimeo.com/272857802/59b15ea50e

*Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2008-09 to 2016-17, Bureau of Communications and Arts Research, Department of Communications and the Arts, Oct 2018