Southern Downs Regional Council has announced that applications are being invited for the Innovative and creative projects within the Southern Downs region will come alive as part of one of Queensland’s most active arts programs, the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.08 million through RADF in 2021-22, matched with a contribution of approximately $2.3 million from 59 councils across the state. “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,” Minister Enoch said.
“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. Our investment complements the Palaszczuk Government’s wider commitment to regional arts, including
continued support of $6 million over four years for the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN).”
Southern Downs Regional Council was successful in receiving $39,500 of funding from the Queensland Government, which will be combined with a Council contribution of $50,000 to provide a total funding pool of $89,500 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 the program continues to play an important part of place making across Southern Downs. “Year on year, the applications for projects become more innovative and it is a testament to how powerful the arts scene is in place making,” he said. “The arts are key to stitching together the cultural fabric within a community and I look forward to reading the applications for this round.”
Council’s first RADF round opened on Tuesday 18 January 2022. The closing date for applications is midnight, Monday 14 February 2022. It is important for applicants to note that projects for which RADF grant funds are sought must not start before 24 March 2022 and must be completed by 31 January 2023. 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. For further information, please contact Council’s Community Grants Officer Zoe Dunlop on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).
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