Exciting new PASSAGE for Redlands Coast artists

Redland City Council has launched an inspirational new program to encourage and empower emerging and established artists and performers.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the PASSAGE Artist Development Program would become an incubator for creativity and build on Redland Coast’s growing reputation as a community of artistic excellence.

“Each year this program will provide opportunities for artists and performers to develop their skills with and alongside industry professionals, helping them to find the physical and creative space to develop their craft,” Cr Williams said.

“This will include support for the creation of new work, development of existing work and up-skilling or professional development.

“PASSAGE will take Council’s significant investment in our thriving arts and culture sector a step further, providing individuals and organisations working in the arts and cultural sector with in-kind and financial support.

“It will provide them with the opportunity to utilise the city’s arts and cultural resources, including our exceptional Redland Performing Arts Centre, while promoting the role and value of creative expression and artistic development as key drivers of a diverse, vibrant and connected community.”

Creative Arts Manager Brad Rush said PASSAGE’s four key initiatives provided opportunities for professional, semi-professional and emerging artists across the multi-disciplines of dance, skills development, heritage, multi-arts, music, theatre, visual art, craft, design and writing.

“All artists, creatives and companies are encouraged to apply, as long as there is a meaningful connection to Redlands Coast. Well-constructed and viable projects will be looked at favourably, along with alignment to Redland City Council’s corporate goals,” Mr Rush said.

“The support PASSAGE will provide is so important as artists have the power to alter our perceptions, provide alternative views and bring us together as a more connected community.”

The PASSAGE Artist Development Program’s key initiatives are:

Channel | New work in development

A development program for new works at the very beginning of an idea, concept or dream. It will provide a platform for artists to engage in critical response and review, along with in-kind venue support and grants up to $2000, with Council’s Creative Arts team providing time and expertise in the creative development process. Applications open on 7 December 2022.

Stream | Existing work in development

This is for more developed works, supporting projects that will engage audiences or the public through art, working in any form. Proposed projects should aim for presentation in the RPAC auditorium. Artists and creatives can apply for subsidised venue support. Applications open 7 December 2022.

Skills Lab | Professional development & workshops

This program of workshops has been designed collaboratively by Redland City Council’s Creative Arts team, resident artists, invited artists and Flying Arts Alliance. Other master teachers, artists and professionals from Southeast Queensland may also join the program to help participants experience, and then build on, their own dynamic skills and practice.

 Stage Sessions | Live performance opportunity

This is an exciting initiative providing musicians and performers the opportunity to utilise RPAC’s world-class Concert Hall, its sound equipment and technicians. Applications are now open.

PASSAGE is delivered by Redland City Council in partnership with the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. For more information and the program guidelines, visit rpac.com.au/Passage