The vibrant arts and cultural scene in Cairns continues to flourish with significant support from both the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Major Round Two and the City of the Arts Hero Project.
Delivered as a partnership between Arts Queensland (State Government) and Cairns Regional Council, RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture, and heritage in the community as drivers of diversity and inclusiveness.
The ten latest recipients to receive funding are:
- Bertie Riley for the innovative musical initiative Magayin – Stand and Rise, blending indigenous culture with contemporary music.
- Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc. for Deep Roots, enhancing cultural tourism experiences.
- Crate59 Artist Collective & Gallery for the Sweatbox exhibition during Cairns Festival.
- JUTE Theatre Company for youth mentorships through O,Ophelia.
- Leanne Tennant for her debut album If My Heart Had a Voice.
- Rebecca Altaffer for the drama Wild Orbit, exploring themes of inclusion and disability care.
- Round Table Collaborations for Quest: A Hero Within, a cinematic fantasy short film.
- Shaun Edwards for expanding artistic horizons with new artwork for Wildbarra Co.
- Tropical Arts Association Inc. for fostering inclusive community theatre with Do you speak my language?
- Warren Jr Terence John Tyrrell for WAARI Presents MUKI, a sonic narrative celebrating Blak life, land, and futures in Gimuy.
Mayor Amy Eden highlighted the positive impact of RADF grants, stating: “These initiatives play a crucial role in fostering engagement with our vibrant arts community, supporting a wide range of creative projects that enrich our cultural landscape.”
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said: “The Queensland Government’s Creative Together 2020-2030 roadmap prioritises activation of Queensland’s places and spaces and arts engagement that drives positive change for Queensland communities. Projects funded through RADF support communities to share stories and creativity, provide important pathways for learning and connection, and boost local creative economies and tourism.”
City of the Arts Hero Project
In addition to Major Round, the City of the Arts Hero Project has awarded its annual grant, for one large-scale, high-caliber project. This year’s recipient is NorthSite Contemporary Arts for Linear Horizons: A Collaborative Printmaking Exchange between Baguio, Philippines, and Cairns, Australia.
Mayor Amy Eden noted: “The City of the Arts Hero Project highlights Cairns’ commitment to supporting projects that create strong legacies and foster long-term positive outcomes through cross-sector and cross-artform collaborations.”
