Cairns projects share in arts funding

An original performance to document the story of Chinese arrival in Cairns is among the successful projects in the latest round of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Local groups, the Cairns & District Chinese Association Inc and Minjil Indigenous Group, will collaborate with the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne to choreograph Connecting Ancient Cultures.

Using Chinese lion dancing and indigenous dance, it is hoped performances can be held as part of 2020 Cairns Australia Day celebrations and the Chinese New Year Festival.

Six arts projects in the Cairns region will share in approximately $43,515 in funding under Round 2 of RADF 2018/19 grants.

Acting Mayor Terry James said the grants offered an opportunity to enhance and develop arts and cultural activities in the region.

“The latest round of funding will assist a diverse and eclectic array of creative projects being produced across performing arts, visual arts, research, music, film and photography,” Cr James said.

“Hundreds of local projects have over the years been assisted by RADF grants, which deliver positive outcomes for communities across the region.

“These successful projects represent a chance for people to engage with the vibrancy and depth of our arts community.”

“I am delighted to see that the latest round of funding will document and foster an understanding an important time in our city’s history though Connecting Ancient Cultures.

“It is also wonderful to see these grants will assist the world renown Gondwana Indigenous Children's Choir collaborate with international choirs and local schools as part of a Far North tour.”

Following a series of workshops and rehearsals, Gondwana Choir will present Sounds of the World at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre on 25 July, featuring the Estonian Television Girls’ Choir (Estonia), La Cigale de Lyon (France) and Riga Cathedral Girls’ Choir (Latvia), as well as local school choirs from Cairns State High School, St Monica’s College and St Andrew’s Catholic College.

Queensland Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said investing in creative and cultural experiences through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) strengthened regional communities, boosted cultural tourism, and enhanced the quality of life in rural and remote towns and cities.

“RADF is a unique partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local talent, unite communities and celebrate the arts across the state.

“The Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland, is contributing $2.08 million in 2018-19 in partnership with 58 councils statewide to help deliver cultural experiences which align with local priorities,” Ms Enoch said.

For the more information on RADF visit Cairns Regional Council’s website.

RADF Round 2 2018/19 Successful Applicants

Gondwana Choirs: $7,475 - Sounds of the World – Three choirs of young people from around the world collaborating with school ensembles.

ARC Disability Services Inc: $5,220 - Leadership into Shakespeare workshops.

CADCAI: $7,020 - Connecting Ancient Cultures – A collaboration between CADCAI, MINJIL Indigenous Group and Chinese Youth Society.

Natalia Mann: $9,000 - The Sonic Earth Project – A sound and light installation with creative research and performances.

Rose Rigley: $8,800 - The Connective Object – An exhibition including installation and drawing based works and workshops.

Adrian Thomas: $6,000 - Kukuyalanji Girl – Creation of a music video, radio servicing and artwork for Kukuyulanji Girl.