Council awards grants to five art projects on Redlands Coast

Redland City Council has awarded grants to five local projects through round two of the 2021-2022 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Mayor Karen Williams said the grants program underscored the importance of art and culture on Redlands Coast.

“We have a thriving community of professional and emerging artists and art workers on our Redlands Coast, and this funding enables them to practice excellent art for and with the local community,” Cr Williams said.

“This in turn helps build cultural capacity, sustainability and community pride.”

RADF Assessment Panel co-chair Cr Paul Bishop (Division 10) said the successful projects creatively explored stories of people and place on Redlands Coast.

“The five projects funded through this round will help local artists share their stories through the mediums of video, a podcast, a novel, art workshops and a community event celebrating local art, craft and music,” Cr Bishop said.

“They explore themes as diverse as the natural environment of our Southern Moreton Bay Islands, our proud farming history, and interesting often untold stories of our local people and places.”

RADF Assessment Panel co-chair Cr Lance Hewlett (Division 4) said the grants totaling $44,377 would help promote the value of the arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities.

“These grants support activities that encourage creative and skills development within the arts and cultural life of Redlands Coast,” Cr Hewlett said.

“Individual artists and groups can develop their skills further through the current round of RADF Quick Response/Professional Grants, with applications closing on 10 June.”

Recipients of 2021-2022 Round 2 RADF grants:

Glass Engine/Neil McGregor: House Detective – $10,000. Two episodes of the factual-historical show will be filmed, featuring Peel Island (Teerk Roo Ra) and Willards Farm. Donna Cameron: Bloomfield (A contemporary novel set in the Redlands incorporating the farming history of the area) – $10,000. The author will undertake research, work with a literary editor and present two free public workshops. Storytowns Ptd Ltd/Russell McGilton: Redlands Podcast Tour – $10,000. Immersive podcasts featuring interesting stories of local people, lifestyle and history will be distributed to the self-drive market to encourage them to explore the area. Maria Belle Isle: Music, Markets and Lawn Bowls on the Green 4183 – $9915. This free community event will feature live music, artist workshops, local arts and crafts markets and lawn bowls at Point Lookout in June. Macleay Island Arts Complex: Love our Islands: Children’s Art Exhibition and Workshops – $4462. Artist Beatrice Sheehan will run three workshops for 300 children from Russell Island and Macleay Island state schools ahead of an exhibition of all works in September.

The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

For more information, visit redland.qld.gov.au/RADF