Arts and cultural funding boost for local communities across Queensland

Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Leeanne Enoch
  • The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has received a $104,000 funding uplift, with a total Palaszczuk Government investment of $2.184 million in 2023-24.
  • In partnership with 59 local councils, RADF will deliver a combined 2023-24 co-investment of over $4.16 million to support arts and cultural outcomes in communities state-wide.
  • Multi-year funding agreements will be implemented from 2024-2025 to support longer-term planning of RADF activities and reduce administrative burden on local councils.

Communities across the state have received a boost in arts and cultural funding, with the Palaszczuk Government delivering a $104,000 funding uplift to the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in 2023-24.

Established in 1991, RADF supports the work of local artists and arts workers, provides a platform for their professional development, and delivers a boost to creative economies state-wide.

In 2023-24, RADF will see the Palaszczuk Government’s $2.184 million contribution matched with $1.979 million from 59 councils state-wide to reach a combined investment of $4.16 million.

In consultation with council partners, the Government will implement multi-year funding agreements from 2024-25, enabling long-term program planning and bolstering local access to dynamic arts and cultural experiences into the future.

RADF continues to deliver on key priorities of the Queensland Government’s Creative Together 2020 – 2030 10-year strategy, driving social change and strengthening communities, activating local places and spaces and celebrating regional stories and storytellers.

Quote attributed to the Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch MP:

“Every community has a rich history of unique stories, and projects funded through RADF help bring these stories to life, supporting the preservation and expression of local knowledge and culture.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to continue our very successful RADF partnership with local governments, to support the delivery of hundreds of extraordinary arts experiences in every corner of the state, building local capacity among home-grown arts and cultural professionals.

“RADF supports the arts and cultural sector to boost community cohesion and well being, as well as local creative economies to leverage cultural tourism and employment opportunities state-wide.

“Our commitment to invest in engaging arts experiences, cultural activations and capacity building, ensures programs like RADF will assist communities across Queensland to leverage cultural tourism opportunities presented by the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Quote attributed to Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith:

“RADF helps councils and communities recognise and celebrate what makes them unique, and creates vibrant, liveable communities across the state.”

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