Brisbane's Talent Gets Support from Council
04 June, 2008
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Twenty-three local artists or creative projects have been given the financial backing to proceed with their projects or professional development thanks to $290,000 in grants approved by Council’s Civic Cabinet today.
The funding has been approved under two grant programs that support Brisbane’s cultural industries and work toward the Lord Mayor’s vision of a vibrant, creative city.
Four applicants were successful under the Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships program, which enables artists (17-30 years of age) to take training or professional development here or overseas to the value of $20,000.
A further nineteen scored under the Creative Sparks Grant Program funded by Brisbane City Council ($160,000) and Arts Queensland ($100,000), which supports projects that establish partnerships between business and the arts, or those that enrich Brisbane’s communities.
Projects include a new series of seven short plays written by Brisbane playwrights, and a environmental sculpture trail and exhibition focusing on sustainability based on a project in Devon, England that uses entirely recycled materials.
The Lord Mayor said the grants represented a significant investment in Brisbane’s arts and creative industries, especially in the younger generation.
“Brisbane’s got talent and I want to give that talent every opportunity to succeed,” he said.
“The grants will help create employment and professional development opportunities, and support Brisbane’s cultural industries, as well as a city that is full of diverse, accessible and quality cultural events.”
The applications were assessed by a committee of five arts industry representatives from Queensland Conservatorium of Music, QPAC, the State Library of Queensland, Brisbane City Council and one representative from Arts Queensland.
Of the 73 Creative Sparks applications received, 19 received either full or part funding, representing $287,094.
Five of the 14 Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artist Fellowship applications won full or part funding representing $60,000.
This is the program's fifth year of operation.