Arts Queensland is currently conducting briefings in regions throughout Queensland to outline the key points in the recently released Queensland Arts Industry Sector Development Plan 2007-2009 and the new funding guidelines for arts project grants. Read full story >

The Premier announced plans in March to establish a scholarship to honour Australian musician Billy Thorpe who died earlier in the month. Read full story >

The Queensland Government’s support of local artists continues with Pete Murray, Tyrone Noonan and band Transport being assisted to promote themselves and Brisbane when they appear in April at MUSEXPO in Los Angeles. Read full story >

A ceremonial sod turning marked the start of construction of the $6.9 million Hinkler Hall of Aviation in Bundaberg on March 9.
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More than 200 regional arts workers and artists from all over the state will convene in the far north later this year to discuss the state of the arts in regional Queensland. Read full story >

The Brisbane International Film Festival's (BIFF) program of free outdoor community screenings will double in size for the 2007 festival. Following the tremendous success of the first 'BIFF in the Burbs' program in 2006, twice as many outdoor movies will be held around south-east Queensland in the lead-up to the festival's ticketed program. Read full story >

An historic pipe organ that was originally part of Brisbane's Regent Theatre was played publicly in March for the first time in decades at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Read full story >

Bernadette McCormack, Visitor Experience Manager at The Workshops Rail Museum in North Ipswich, will be spending the next six months working alongside colleagues at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington DC, thanks to a Queensland – Smithsonian Fellowship award. Read full story >

Six writers have had screenplays selected as part of the recent rounds of Pacific Film and Television’s (PFTC) Write Stuff and Short Black. Read full story >

With two local artists successfully pursuing their artistic goals, Hopevale is an example of an Indigenous Regional Arts Development (IRADF)-funded community making a name for itself artistically. Read full story >

Fresh off the ship in their packed up Morris after a sell-out season in the UK , Perth , and New Zealand, The Kransky Sisters are unloading their baggage and bringing their hit show, Heard it on the Wireless to QPAC in Brisbane. Read full story >

After its outstanding success at last year’s Brisbane Festival, JOHNNO recently played at the Derby Playhouse in the UK to rave reviews. Read full story >

The importance of a collection of Indigenous art now held by the Department of Communities was highlighted when the works were recently catalogued. Read full story >

For decades Western society has grown more affluent and well-educated but we still face issues of drug dependency, mental illness, violence and civil disorder. Read full story >

One of Shakespeare’s most famous lines will be given voice when Queensland Theatre Company and State Theatre Company of South Australia join forces and question in unison “To be or not be?” in their joint production of Hamlet from April 15 to May 12 at QPAC’s Playhouse. Read full story >

Marking the 15th anniversary of the Urban Art Projects' foundry in Brisbane and showcasing some of the best known contemporary public art, QUT Art Museum presents 15 Years of Urban Art Projects. Read full story >

Our Way: Contemporary Aboriginal Art from Lockhart River is the first major exhibition to survey the work of the Lockhart River Art Gang (a group of young artists living in a remote Aboriginal community in Queensland’s Cape York), and the emergence to national and international recognition of some of its members.
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Since 1999, Flamenco Fire has been thrilling audiences with a heady mix of traditional and contemporary flamenco music, dance and song.  Flamenco Fire will be touring throughout Queensland in May. Read full story >

The annual Craft Queensland Mentorship Grant for Emerging Designers enables an emerging practitioner to develop his or her practice through a three-month mentorship process with a more established senior practitioner. Read full story >

Artists are invited to apply for potential projects to provide new and vibrant public art activities to animate the Brisbane City Mall. Artists in the Mall is an initiative of the Brisbane City Council. The mall is an open environment that attracts a diversity of users and provides exposure, engagement and access opportunities between artists and audiences. Read full story >

Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) is giving three young playwrights the opportunity to take part in its six-month, intensive Young Playwrights Program. People aged between 13 and 26 will be eligible to enter, with the writers selected in mid-May. Read full story >

The Creative Noosa Team at Noosa Council, with support from Arts Queensland, is holding an InterACTIVE arts summit - a celebration of art, innovation and action, April 27 – 28.
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Here is an opportunity to learn more about AbaF’s Australia Cultural Fund and how you can raise donations for your projects. Read full story >

Young filmmakers can jump start their careers with the Queensland Police – Citizens Youth Welfare short film competition. Read full story >

Education Queensland is looking for the best and brightest Year 9 and 10 students to take full advantage of the new Queensland Academies in 2008. Read full story >

Arts Update is offering one reader the opportunity to win tickets to the opening night of Hamlet, a co-production by Queensland Theatre Company and State Theatre Company of South Australia on Thursday April 26, 7.30pm at the Playhouse, QPAC. Read full story >

We welcome feedback and contributions to Arts Update. Please contact the editor, Julie Geiser on (07) 3224 5807 or email artsupdate@arts.qld.gov.au