New approach to regional arts service delivery kicks off in Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government has announced eight regions across the state that will benefit from a new network that will further support the arts in regional areas.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said eight key regions across the state would be supported by regional arts service providers, together with a State Coordination Office, to form the new Regional Arts Services Network.

The establishment of this new network follows the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment of $6.5 million over four years in the 2017-18 State Budget for Indigenous and regional arts initiatives.

“This network will drive regional development priorities, boost local jobs and provide greater input and options for arts investment at a local level,” Ms Enoch said.

“These regional arts service providers will work together to deliver arts services across key regional locations in Queensland for the next three years.”

The providers include Red Ridge (Western Queensland), Queensland Music Festival (North Queensland), Central Queensland University (Central Queensland), Empire Theatre Projects (South-West Queensland), Creative Arts Alliance (South-east Queensland North) and Access Community Services (Ipswich and Logan).

“These organisations were selected for their ability to build partnerships and leverage the value of arts to deliver social and economic outcomes that align with regional priorities,” Ms Enoch said.

“Arts Queensland will continue to take the lead in delivering arts services in Far North Queensland with a focus on growing local business and artistic capacity in the region through the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns.

“Arts Queensland will also contract a regional arts officer based in Cape York to support the region in Far North Queensland.”

Ms Enoch said Queensland Music Festival (QMF) would support the network as the State Coordination Office.

“QMF will establish statewide planning, communications, and act as a connector to arts funding opportunities,” she said.

“QMF has a long history of working closely with communities and councils to tell their own stories, highlighting the richness and variety of the state’s many regions, and delivering large regional development arts projects that leave a long-term impact.”

Ms Enoch said this new model of regional arts delivery was unique, with the procurement of regional arts service providers that are empowered to leverage investment and deliver enhanced outcomes for their local communities.

“I am proud Queensland is leading the way to leverage the value of arts in local communities to drive regional development priorities and to deliver a coordinated approach to regional arts outcomes.”

The Regional Arts Services Network was developed in response to consultation with more than 330 stakeholders, and the providers were selected through a robust procurement process.

For more information visit www.arts.qld.gov.au/rasn