Sixteen Queensland artists, musicians and cultural workers have been able to develop their practice and advance their careers thanks to funding from the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the artists are sharing in a total $105,821 as part of the Government’s Individuals Fund.
“These 16 artists were carefully selected from a total 81 applications across a variety of art forms,” Minister Enoch said.
“This funding program is helping artists take the next step in their professional careers and connecting them to local and global audiences.
“We want to continue to develop the arts and cultural capabilities in this state and this funding complements that vision, and enables artists to build international audiences, develop new markets, and expand their industry networks”.
Ms Enoch said the funding also created opportunities for local arts and culture experiences.
“Across the latest round of grants, we had Queenslanders undertake residencies in the USA, and others given the opportunity to expand their talents right here in Queensland,” she said.
“The 16 successful applicants will all have a fantastic opportunity to embark on career development and bring that knowledge back to Queensland.”
One of this round’s grant recipients, composer and pianist Dr Yitzhak Yedid, has received funding to work with the Barngarla Aboriginal community in South Australia to develop two large scale music compositions with outcomes for regional and First Nations communities.
Dr Yitzhak Yedid, who lectures at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, said skills he will learn in his residencies and the opportunity to collaborate with an Aboriginal community will propel his career to the next level of professionalism.
“It will be towards the creation of new works by a Queensland-based composer and Queensland performers with strong connections to our nation’s history,” Dr Yedid said.
Minister Enoch said there was an impressive variety of art forms in this round of successful applicants, from all across Queensland.
“Ruby Donohoe of Maroochydore will research inclusive art-making practices for artists with disabilities by working with companies Open Doors in New York, Aha Ensemble in Queensland and Oficina Theatre in Portugal.
“In what will be a significant career move for two opera singers, Samuel Piper will study bel canto opera in Italy and Shikara Ringdahl of Woodridge will take up a three month mentorship opportunity at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
“Toowoomba-based physical theatre performer David Steggall will undertake a two-week clown theatre intensive in Switzerland with the intention to develop his own clown practice and his performance piece for children who have experienced trauma.”
