Applications invited for Regional Arts Development Fund Round One

5 January 2021

Innovative and creative projects within the Southern Downs region will come alive as part of one of the State’s most active arts programs, the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said that the long standing RADF program would help to boost Queensland’s plan for economic recovery by supporting artists and arts workers with employment opportunities through $4.2 million in funding for regional cultural projects.

“The Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.08 million in RADF for 2020-21 and an additional $2.13 million will be contributed by 59 councils across Queensland,” Minister Enoch said.

“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.”

Southern Downs Regional Council was successful in receiving $39,500 of funding from the State Government, which will be combined with a Council contribution of $50,000 and funds rolled over from last year’s program to provide a total funding pool of $102,818 for this year’s RADF program.

Throughout previous years, Council’s RADF grants have included exciting and diverse projects such as street art, workshops to develop skills, heritage projects and participation of professional cultural artists and entertainers at festivals.

Southern Downs Councillor and member of the RADF Reference Group Marco Gliori said Council is pleased to see the ongoing level of interest and enthusiasm for the arts across the Southern Downs region.

“Council continues to receive exciting and innovative applications for projects that will continue to highlight the importance of the arts and cultural fabric of our region,” he said.

“I look forward to reading the applications for this round and make 2021 the most successful year for the arts sector and I encourage anyone who is interested to apply.”

Council’s first RADF round will open for applications on Monday 11 January 2021. The closing date for applications is midnight Monday 8 February 2021 and it is important for applicants to note that projects for which RADF grant funds are sought must not start before 26 March 2021 and must be completed by 31 March 2022.

Applications will need to be made online via SmartyGrants. The link to the RADF application form and program guidelines is available on Council’s website http://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/doing-business/grants-to-community.

For further information, please contact Council’s RADF Liaison Officer Zoe Dunlop on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).