Attract
Attracted new resources and investment to regional arts in Queensland.
Regional Arts Services Network
Queensland regions are extremely diverse, and those regional differences, shaped by First Nations history, culture, and distinctive and varied natural geography, have led to unique experiences and cultural products across the state, which all contribute to Queensland’s rich culture. A vibrant arts and cultural offer in regional Queensland contributes to liveability, local identity and what makes communities different and exciting.
Background and Goals
The Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) is about empowering regions to determine arts and cultural priorities and drive change through arts-led initiatives. Our eight RASN providers lead and support projects that enhance cultural vitality, create thriving communities and advance regional development and social priorities. Backed by an initial $6.5 million (2017-18 to 2020-21) investment by the Queensland Government, RASN works in partnership with local councils, artists and arts organisations, and communities to foster, facilitate and promote the sustainable growth of regional arts across the state.
Employment
Provided greater employment opportunities and increased the skills of artists and arts workers in regional Queensland.
Drive
Driven strategic arts-led initiatives to attract visitors, strengthen individual and community wellbeing, foster social cohesion and build community resilience.
Collaboration
Collectively improving the delivery of arts services to regional Queensland.
Engagement
Created opportunities for regional Queenslanders to engage in the arts and culture, reflecting the diversity of our communities.
Empowerment
Empowered First Nations cultural workers and communities to lead significant new projects.
Employment image: Colouring NQ digital book. Image courtesy Umbrella Studios Contemporary Arts.
Empowerment image: Red Ridge The Label. Lorraine Kath Outback Photography
Collaboration image: My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes. Performer Justin Tamblyn at the Oakey Library. Salt Studios.
Drive image: Work by artists Anna Nicholsen (Left) and Noel Brady (Right). Image courtesy Central Queensland University.
What RASN can do for you
Whether you are an emerging or established artist, a government or non-government organisation, your local RASN provider can partner and grow with you to deliver local art and culture-led initiatives in your region.
Connect with your Regional Arts Officer to find out how they are creating arts engagement for communities, what networking and development opportunities are available, or how you can partner to contribute to regional social, economic and cultural development.
Service Providers
Following a robust two-stage EOI process, regional arts service providers across the state and the State Coordination Office provider have now been secured to form the Regional Arts Services Network.
RASN was developed in response to consultation with more than 330 stakeholders and addresses the consultation’s key findings for regions to prioritise local needs and build networking and collaboration across regions and between artists and companies.
The model focusses on highlighting the value of the arts in delivering social and economic benefit that ultimately works to deliver regional development outcomes.
Eight service providers form the network:
Access Community Service
Ipswich and Logan
Arts Nexus
Far North Queensland
Arts Nexus in Partnership with Cook Shire Council
Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands
Central Queensland University
Central Queensland
Creative Arts Alliance
South-East Queensland North
Empire Theatre Projects
South-West Queensland
Red Ridge
Western Queensland
Queensland Music Festival
North Queensland
Connect with RASN
Queensland Music Festival, in their role as RASN coordinator for the service provider network, keep the network informed of RASN news and activities.
- Email - Enquiries related to the Regional Arts Services Network should be directed to regionalartsservices@arts.qld.gov.au.
- Website - rasn.org.au
- Social Media - RASN Facebook, RASN Twitter, RASN Instagram
- eNews - Subscribe to the RASN newsletter
RASN Case Studies
Colouring NQ
When COVID-19 hit, Queensland’s arts companies got creative. Townsville-based Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts developed Colouring NQ, a digital colouring book featuring artwork from emerging North Queensland artists which engaged children and the young at heart.
Dress the Central West – telling the region's stories with wearable art
Central West residents and artists create works of art and connect regional communities in an ambitious project for the Regional Arts Services Network.
My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes
A new theatrical and musical performance provided much-needed creative engagement for young Queenslanders.