FILM-makers, artists and an author are among a diverse range of successful grant recipients in this year’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
A high number of submissions contested for a share of $45,000, with 13 local artists receiving funding to progress their projects.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a Queensland Government and Local Government partnership to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Councillor Abigail Noli, who is Chairwoman of the local RADF Committee, said there was a great balance to be found in the successful projects.
“There is a real array of incredible ideas and projects that will benefit artists and the greater Douglas communities,” she said.
“When I speak to the community, people regularly request more public artwork and fortuitously, this year sees substantial funding go towards public art projects.”
Council supported the RADF committee’s recommendations to fund 13 of 16 submissions received, ranging from Retrospective Exhibitions and murals to community workshops and emerging artist development projects.
The inaugural Call of the Running Tide event was so well received by the community last year, it will receive funding to go towards curatorial support, a thong sculpture and workshops at the 2021 event.
Douglas Shire Council Arts and Cultural Officer, Tim Ellis, said it was a highly competitive round of quality applications.
“Funds are being distributed for professional development, community art projects and creative workshops that will take place across the Shire in 2020/21,” he said.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the successful projects would deliver a unique value to the region.
“We have many exceptional local artists who contribute to our community,” he said.
“Council is keen to continue its support for our local creatives and provide them with opportunities to enrich our everyday lives.”
The successful recipients for 2019-2020 RADF funding in the Douglas Shire include:
- Alison George – Documentary film production
- Andrea Collisson – sculpture concept
- Bill Wilkie – book research
- Douglas Arts Studio Gallery Inc (DAB) – Sculpture workshop
- Goobidi Bamanga CACS Ltd – Mural project
- Jill Chism – Curatorial Support for Call Of The Running Tide (CRT) 2021
- Perry Harrison – Film editing
- Port Douglas Artists – Anna Curtis –Workshops for for Call of the Running Tide
- Port Douglas Artists – Chrissie McLaughlin – Retrospective Exhibition
- Port Douglas Artists – Gail Shaw –Sketchfest event planning
- Rosemary Gillian Vance – Crafternoons
- Samantha Matthews – Making Mosaics for Mossman
- Victoria Park – Professional development
The highly successful program, established in 1991, underwent a renewal process in 2014-2015 and Councils now implement locally tailored RADF programs based on locally relevant decision-making processes, delivery models and priorities.
