Regional Arts Focus Still Strong

Council announced this week that arts development is now formally recognised as part of Economic Development.  Cr Danita Potter, Portfolio Councillor for the Arts, explained that the arts are known to stimulate local and regional economies because of the close links to tourism.  “Council has recognised the value of the arts in our region by formally moving the art development function of Council to the Economic Development Branch.”, Cr Potter said. “Economic Development staff work closely with local art galleries and this relationship will only be expanded by this change.” 

Council has still maintained a commitment to providing community funding for the arts through the Regional Arts Development Fund which is a part of Council’s Community Grants Program.  Council took the brave step this year of increasing the bid to Arts Queensland for greater assistance.  “We have requested a total budget of $25,000 for local artists and groups to access, assisting them in hosting and attending workshops to improve their arts skills.”  Arts Queensland reduced the Council’s allocation in 2017/18 due to a surplus of funds carried over for a number of years.  “We needed to demonstrate that there was a definite need in our community.  Whilst the applications received this year have been small in number and the Council has not managed to fully spend the allocation for 2017/18, with the changes to the process Council believe this will encourage more applications next round.”

Applications to the Regional Arts Development Fund will now be assessed by the Community Grants Program Assessment Panel with the next round on offer in August 2018.  This process change will enable greater access to the fund for artists who have not previously applied.  “I would like to encourage artists to contact Council to find out more about how to apply.”