Queensland selects arts projects for funding scheme

Queensland’s Government has announced more than $2m to develop and showcase new cultural works and create jobs as part of its long-term arts roadmap.

Backed by the streamlined First Nations Commissioning Fund and Queensland Arts Showcase Program, the cash will support nine industry placements and six projects receiving funding for the commissioning of new live or recorded music by local composers and musicians.

The projects include Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, Jessie Lloyd’s cultural song research and the 2023 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Theatre works backed include Shake & Stir’s world premiere of Tae Tae in the Land of Yaaas! at QPAC and Musical Theatre Australia’s new musical.

Leeanne Enoch, Minister for the Arts, said: “Funding outcomes will help to realise Grow 2022-2026, the latest action plan from Creative Together 2020-2030, the Queensland Government’s 10-Year roadmap for arts, culture and creativity, which is being supported with an additional $50m over four years.

“Support for industry placements, a new feature integrated across these funding programs, will address skills gaps and expand the scale and capacity of the state’s creative workforce supporting diverse positions including producers, curators, exhibitions assistants and digital content producers.

“The further opportunity to access additional funding for the commissioning of new live or recorded music by local composers and musicians as part of a project has resulted in six funded projects celebrating and amplifying new Queensland music, with First Nations composers creating music for three of these projects.”