$128,000 in funding for Far North Queensland artists

13 Apr 2018

Arts and cultural projects in Far North Queensland and Cape York have been awarded a combined $128 000 in funding from the Queensland Arts Showcase Program.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council had received $70,000 to run its Emerging Art Program for children during its annual NPA Cultural Festival in July.

“The NPA Cultural Festival is a yearly highlight for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities of Injinoo, Umagico, Seisia, New Mapoon and Bamaga,” Ms Lui said.

“This funding will allow school-aged children in these remote regions to learn from acclaimed artists and musicians, leaving a real legacy for the future.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said Cairns-based visual artist Dr Sasi Victoire had been awarded $58,000 for Alice in the Antipathies, a performance and exhibition work to be performed both in Cairns and Malaysia.

“Dr Victoire is working with JUTE Theatre Company in Cairns and Masakini Theatre in Malaysia using both Australian and Asian actors,” Mr Crawford said.

“This collaboration with Malaysian artists shows the importance to Dr Victoire about transcending cultural differences, and will be a special event for audiences.”

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Arts Showcase Program aims to develop and grow a vibrant and diverse arts sector in Queensland.

“Queensland Arts Showcase Program investment supports and celebrates local arts and culture and promotes our talented artists, writers and performers.

“These newly funded projects are a great example of how QASP continues to support the development of new works and events by emerging and established creatives that provide quality arts experiences,” Minister Enoch said.

Since the Queensland Arts Showcase Program was established in September 2015, there has been more than $7 million invested in more than 200 arts projects, resulting in great audience experiences, more arts-related jobs and the generation of cultural tourism opportunities across Queensland.

For more information about the Queensland Arts Showcase Program visit www.arts.qld.gov.au.