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Arts funding supports new work for Queenslanders

Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the latest round of Queensland Arts Showcase Program with 12 new projects across the state receiving funding of $310 322.

“Queensland Arts Showcase Program funding supports the growth of an engaging and accessible arts and cultural sector in Queensland,” the Premier said.

“Since opening in September 2015, 63 applications have been funded for a total of $2 018 014, investing in vibrant arts and cultural projects across the state.

“These projects help to connect communities, create employment opportunities and showcase Queensland artists locally, nationally and overseas,” she said.

“This funding will enable local engagement with arts in many ways. The annual Bloomin' Beautiful Blackbutt Festival in September will feature the talents of Queensland favourites Topology and The Kransky Sisters, while North Stradbroke Island arts group the Saltwater Murris will present their work at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in July.

“Emerging artists on the Sunshine Coast will create public art responding to the natural environment as part of the Horizon Festival while local schools in Burdekin can participate in the Ignite Your Mind Burdekin readers and Writers Festival 2016.

“Funding will go towards contemporary dance, music and theatre projects along with visual art exhibitions,” the Premier said.

Other projects already funded through the Queensland Arts Showcase Program include Blue Roo Theatre Company’s three-year collaboration with Opera Queensland on a production of Orpheus in December 2016, the 2016 Cairns Tropical Writers Festival in August, and unique dance collaboration between Torres Strait dancers and Townsville’s Dancenorth resulting in a dynamic new work to premiere in 2017.

“Young people in Longreach, Blackall, Tambo and Winton will enjoy a year-long program of arts workshops as part of the Shockwave Program and Festival 2016 in August.”

Queensland Arts Showcase Program applications are accepted at any time. Applications and a full list of funding recipients are at http://www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding/funding