Six local artists and arts community groups have shared in more than $25,000 worth of funding in the latest Noosa Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant round to help them develop their projects.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Noosa Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
RADF chairperson Karen Finzel said, “RADF is an excellent opportunity for local artists, performers, musicians, and writers to apply for funding through a supportive application process while creating unique opportunities to grow the creative arts sector to build our sense of identity, connection to each other and strengthen community resilience.”
RADF funding is helping Noosa Chorale and Noosa Arts and Crafts Association (NACA) to develop the skills and experiences of their members so they can create better arts experiences for the wider community.
Noosa Chorale will be working with a voice teacher to upskill their volunteer members and NACA’s Press Gang, Book Binders and Papermakers groups will be undertaking a workshop program with Dr Glenn Skein and then sharing what they have learnt in workshops for the public.
“A vocal development program will be an enriching experience for our singers, an opportunity to re-invigorate our choir’s joie de vivre, and a vehicle for benefits to cascade out to a broader community,” Noosa Chorale president Fran Wilson said.
Other RADF recipients in this round include local emerging artist, Emilia Cilento whose grant will support her working with mentors to learn new visual art techniques which will result in an exhibition at Thomas Surfboards.
Noosa Arts Theatre will also receive a grant to support a lighting workshop for their upcoming production of The Boy from Oz.
RADF is also supporting Megan Rowland to work with other local artists to develop the second stage of their successful multi-disciplinary artwork, Imposter.
“We need to grow and develop our local contemporary arts sector and provide diverse arts experiences to connect, challenge and inspire our community here in Noosa,” Ms Rowland said.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said, “RADF is a great example of working together to deliver our Covid-19 economic recovery plan, supporting employment opportunities and creating new arts and cultural experiences in local and regional communities.
“RADF in 2021–2022 will provide valuable social, health and economic outcomes for regional Queenslanders, and support our government’s 10-year arts roadmap priorities to strengthen Queensland communities, activate local places, and drive social change across the state.”
Each year RADF showcases the extraordinary innovation of the arts and cultural sector in regional communities, delivers rich arts experiences and provides important professional opportunities for artists and arts workers.
The next round of RADF grants will be open in August. Please check out the Noosa Council RADF webpage for more information at noosa.qld.gov.au/radf
