Government investment to showcase Indigenous performing arts in FNQ

24 Jan 2018

Far North Queensland’s Indigenous performing arts sector will receive a $2.1 million funding injection from the state government to help local performers and artists showcase their unique stories and connect with larger audiences.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the 2017-18 Budget commitment would be invested in the successful Backing Indigenous Arts (BIA) initiative – which has historically had a focus on visual arts – to further promote the performing arts of Queensland’s First Nations peoples.

“The new funding will support the development of new works through commissions, and deliver performances in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and at the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns (CoCA),” Minister Enoch said.

“The initiative will also build business and artistic capacity within the Indigenous performing arts sector in Far North Queensland and increase career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts workers.

“Funding will be offered through three opportunities – Producer Placements, Next Stage, and New Commissions – which all work to support employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts practitioners, strengthen the Indigenous performing arts sector, and maximise opportunities in Far North Queensland’s cultural tourism market.

“These new funding options were developed following extensive consultation and deliver on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to support economic outcomes for Indigenous artists and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performance companies in Far North Queensland.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the initiative would allow local arts visionaries to tap into a valuable support network that would help extend the reach of their work.

“The performing arts is a crucial way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to tell our stories, build understanding in the community and create career pathways,” Ms Lui said.

“We have a wealth of talent in Far North Queensland, and I encourage local artists and groups to apply for this funding.”

Deline Briscoe, singer-songwriter, arts manager and producer with Miriki Performing Arts, said she was excited that performing artists and companies would have greater opportunity to showcase their incredible talent with local and international audiences, and grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island performing arts sector in Far North Queensland.

“Cairns is uniquely placed to lead the development of Indigenous performing arts nationally, and this additional funding from the government will help local artists connect their stories with larger audiences,” Ms Briscoe said.

“This specific focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts will generate wonderful employment and training opportunities, and will enable more performances to be presented in Indigenous communities and CoCA.”

The Queensland Government’s $12.6 million BIA initiative – funded over four years – supports 14 Indigenous Arts Centres across Far North Queensland, the internationally acclaimed Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Indigenous regional arts development and other culturally significant arts experiences.

Applications for Producer Placements and Next Stage open 24 January and close 8 March 2018, 5.00pm.

The first round of New Commissions will open 24 January and close 26 April 2018, with a second round opening 9 July and closing 4 October 2018.

For more information, visit www.arts.qld.gov.au/bia-pa