More funding for Goondiwindi region arts and cultural events

Arts and cultural events across the Goondiwindi region will be able to access increased funding opportunities as the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) opens for 2020-21.

More than $58,000 will be available to eligible recipients, equally co-funded by Goondiwindi Regional Council and Arts Queensland.

Applications are now open to organisations, individual artists and project coordinators to fund arts and cultural activities. Applicants can lodge their submissions online via Council’s website.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM visited the Goondiwindi State High School today to see some of their Expressive Arts Week activities. He said the RADF funding played an important part in encouraging arts and cultural events right across the region.

“I think it’s very clear from everything I’ve seen here at Expressive Arts Week just how much the arts enrich our life and how important they are for a strong and inclusive community,” Cr Springborg said.

“The RADF funding provides a really valuable opportunity to support the role and the value of arts, culture and heritage in our region – especially for our young people, whose development is one of the priorities for this funding,” he said.

Previous recipients of the RADF program include Lanescape, Inglewood Children’s Theatre and Texas Festival of Small Halls.

Priorities of the program include developing regional skills and building cultural capacity and tourism, as well as developing arts-based health and wellbeing projects. Youth development, improved social connection and community exposure to varied art forms and cultural activities are also key drivers of the funding.

Cr Phil O'Shea holds Council’s portfolio for Arts and Culture and also serves on the RADF committee, an advisory committee that consists of local artists, cultural workers and community leaders.

He is strongly encouraging local community groups and event organisers to get their applications in early.

“We’re very fortunate to have such an active, vibrant arts scene here in the Goondiwindi region,” Cr O’Shea said.

 “Whether you’re an artist or a photographer or you have a great event or workshop idea – this funding is a great opportunity and I’d really encourage everyone to get their applications in early to avoid disappointment. Applications can be made directly from Council’s new online grants portal, so it’s straightforward to apply.”

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

Applications for the RADF will be open all year round, but as funds are limited, early applications are encouraged.

• Apply for RADF funding online at: www.grc.qld.gov.au/residents/donations-grants/radf