Creatives encouraged to draw on funding opportunities

Ceramic artist Larissa Warren, whose project celebrated the history of Tamborine Mountain potters and clays, is just one of many Scenic Rim creatives to have benefited from RADF grant funding

Members of Scenic Rim's creative community are encouraged to make the most of opportunities currently available through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Applications are now open for funding through the Big Ideas round of RADF, offering a total of $52,175 for arts organisations and professional or emerging artists for projects commencing after 10 April 2024 that will enrich the wider Scenic Rim community.

Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group Chair Cr Michael Enright said he was looking forward to seeing some big ideas from the creative community that will support quality arts, cultural and heritage experiences.

"Council recognises the important role played by the arts in our region's community life," he said.

"The Scenic Rim has long been known for the talent within its creative community and Council is proud of the RADF partnership which helps to build on this tradition and bring valuable projects to fruition."

Big Ideas grant applications will be awarded to projects which address at least one of the four categories of: valuing young people, supporting local artists, supporting First Nations artists and enhancing the Scenic Rim's towns and villages.

"These grants help to create a more vibrant and connected community and I am sure that, once again, we will see a high calibre of projects put forward by applicants," Cr Enright said.

In addition to the Big Ideas grants, Council is offering five Launch Pad grants of $1,000, for aspiring artists aged 16 to 25 to support their arts practice and help get their projects off the ground, and Express Lane Grants for professional development opportunities for local artists or cultural workers.

Launch Pad grants provide for a wide range of assistance including art materials and equipment, publications, subscriptions, books or digital programs, workshops, courses or professional advice, printing of promotional materials for an arts practice or event and folio development and production.

There are no deadlines for applications but these need to demonstrate involvement in the Scenic Rim's cultural or creative industries and include a letter of support from a professional arts or cultural worker, teacher or tutor outlining the applicant's dedication to their arts practice.

Funding for Express Lane grants is now open and will close when the total funding of $5,000 has been fully allocated.

These grants aim to develop the talents of Scenic Rim creatives and showcase the region as a centre of creative excellence, providing assistance for local artists and arts workers to attend professional development seminars, conferences, activities or masterclasses or to present at an appropriate arts event.

Grants can be used towards travel, accommodation or registration fees for attendance at events or for event presentation costs and applications are required to be submitted at least six weeks before a proposed event.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen urged members of the creative community to draw on the funding available through the RADF program.

"This is a golden opportunity to bring your idea to life and share it with the wider Scenic Rim community," he said.

"Council is pleased to contribute to the RADF program and which adds so much value to our region by supporting the Scenic Rim's wealth of talent."

Snapshot applications for the Big Ideas grants close on Monday 30 October with shortlisted applicants invited to submit their full project proposals by Wednesday 24 January 2024.

For further information on the grants program, download the 2023-2024 RADF guidelines from Council's website scenicrim.qld.gov.au

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Scenic Rim Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.