Further assistance announced for Queensland arts sector

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch has today announced grants which will provide funds for individual artists and arts organisations to help them during these difficult times.

The Palaszczuk Government has introduced these measures to support the Queensland arts sector, which continues to be impacted by the cancellation of events as a result of COVID-19.

Minister Enoch said these initiatives equate to $2.5 million in support and follow the broader $4 billion stimulus package announced by the Premier today, as well as last week’s announcement of over $8 million in relief measures for small to medium arts organisations, widely welcomed by the Queensland arts sector.

“The Palaszczuk Government acknowledges the particular impacts on small to medium-sized arts organisations and independent artists who face difficult circumstances during this challenging time,” Ms Enoch.

“By reallocating existing funds and bringing funding forward, we’re able to act quickly and support the arts sector right now when they need it most.

“The next round of Individuals Fund grants will be boosted to $500,000, with criteria expanded to encourage applications with a focus on building digital skills, creative development and small project activities; as well as the digital adaptation or delivery of works.

Applications will also open to access a total of $2 million under the Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP), to support a range of activities including creative development, digital content creation, and digital delivery.

Funding caps for QASP Arts Ignite and Arts Impact projects will increase to $80 000, and to $120,000 for QASP Arts Illuminate projects.

Eligibility requirements for QASP applications have also been broadened to encourage digital delivery into schools and communities and support small equipment purchases.

“Standard peer-assessment processes will continue to apply, however streamlined application processes will support quick turnaround, enabling applicants to access Individuals Fund and QASP funding as soon as possible,” Minister Enoch said.

“Both the reframed QASP and Individuals Fund will be ready to accept applications from Friday 27 March 2020.

“Individual artists, writers and festivals will continue to share in $312,450 under the March Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) also announced today, with nine projects that will support Queensland artists.”

Applications to the expanded QASP and Individuals Fund can be made from Friday 27 March 2020 – visit www.arts.qld.gov.au for more information.

All approved QASP grants will remain available and recipients have the opportunity to postpone or reframe activity to accommodate changed circumstances.

Minister Enoch said QASP has invested more than $14.26 million to support 414 arts and cultural projects across the state since September 2015.

Recipients for March Queensland Arts Showcase Program funding

Total: $312,450:

• Dancenorth – $60,000
• The Farm – $39,730
• Australian Book Review Inc – $12,000
• Inala Wangarra Incorporated – $34,477
• Somerset Celebration of Literature Ltd TA Storyfest – $60,000
• Inkmasters Cairns – $37,948
• Cairns Writers Festival Inc – $30,000
• Ms Elaine Acworth – $12,295
• TarraWarra Museum of Art Ltd – $26,000