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Organisations Fund 2017-2020Four year funding a first for Queensland’s arts sector

Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts Annastacia Palaszczuk announced increased core funding for more small to medium arts and cultural organisations through the $30.55 million Organisations Fund 2017–2020.

“A total of 39 Queensland arts and cultural organisations will be funded, as compared to 35 organisations funded through the Organisations Fund 2014-2016,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The total funding of $30.55 million represents annual funding of $7.63 million as compared to annual funding of $7.06 million for the $21.18 million Organisations Fund 2014–2016.

“This is an annual increase of $572,000 per year over four years directly to the small to medium arts and cultural sector.

“This investment demonstrates my government’s firm commitment to fund more organisations over a longer period, providing greater certainty and a secure base for these organisations to realise strategic plans, grow and attract other income,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The Premier welcomed eight new entrants to the Organisations Fund 2017–2020 with Topology, Bleach, Backbone, BlakDance Australia, Playlab, Blue Roo Theatre Company, Queensland Youth Orchestras and Queensland Poetry Festival.

“My government supports young artists and I am especially pleased to see two youth-focused organisations, Backbone and Queensland Youth Orchestras, receiving funding.

“Queensland’s small to medium arts organisations can transform lives with some of the best arts experiences available today, connecting us to festivals, visual arts, music, theatre, dance, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and so much more.”

Of the 39 recipients receiving funding, 56% of the organisations target young people, 62% target regional audiences specifically or directly through their programming and 82% reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Premier said the decision to provide four-year funding meant more certainty for organisation to help them deliver long-term arts initiatives across the state, and leverage State Government investment to attract other funding.

Five organisations (artisan, Eyeline Publishing, Institute of Modern Art, Museums & Galleries Queensland and Umbrella Studio) share in additional funds of $275,000 per annum made available under the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy (VACS), a partnership with the Australian Government.

The Organisations Fund was assessed by an independent panel with a probity advisor involved throughout the process to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability.

Queensland’s small to medium arts organisations can also apply for the Queensland Arts Showcase Program, the Arts Business Innovation Fund and the Playing Queensland Fund and can support their operations through a range of resources available through Arts Acumen.

For more info about the Organisations Fund 2017 - 2020.