Support for local artists and cultural exponents

Short films, directing and acting masterclasses, and musical recordings are among the latest initiatives to receive funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program.

Delivered as a partnership between Arts Queensland (State Government) and Cairns Regional Council, RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage in the community as drivers of diversity and inclusiveness.

Among the nine latest recipients to receive funding are Ashleigh Lawrence for the short film The Fall, which aims to educate the community about climate change and its inherent links to First Nations justice; Cairns Little Theatre Inc (trading as Rondo Theatre) to provide masterclasses and coaching in directing, acting, staging and lighting; and assistance to Greta Stanley for the recording and release of a 10-track album.

Mayor Terry James said the latest round of funding will assist a broad array of creative projects including visual and performing arts, historic works and animation, and studio recording projects.

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

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

Cristina Bevilacqua will receive support for the SKIN project, a photographic examination of the similarity between the natural environment and human bodies; the Cairns Incubator Hub will be supported to host four animation workshops; and Jannah Dryden will be assisted in producing the short comedy film, Super.

Othe recipients include Kevin Mayo for a Crate59 exhibition poster collection for the Cairns Museum; Shoba Sandler (auspiced by JUTE Theatre Company) to deliver workshops; and Moses Warusam for the recording of Moses Warusam & Associates Music Collaboration.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government’s successful, long-term partnership with local governments through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports the delivery of hundreds of arts experiences, employment opportunities and capacity building for arts and cultural workers across the state.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen local communities and drive economic outcomes through arts and culture, the Queensland Government has provided $2.184 million for RADF 2023-24 to 59 local councils who have contributed a co-investment of $1.979 million,” Minister Enoch said.

“The Queensland Government’s Creative Together 2020-2030 roadmap prioritises activation of Queensland’s places and spaces and arts engagement that drives positive change for Queensland communities.

“Projects funded through RADF support communities to share stories and creativity, provide important pathways for learning and connection, and boost local creative economies and tourism.”

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

RADF 2023/24 Major Round One Successful Applicants:

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.