Roll up, roll up, roll up for the next round of the Regional Arts Development Fund

15 February 2024

Ipswich City Council is seeking expressions of interest for the Regional Arts Development Fund from the community on projects to take centre stage.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is delivered as a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Ipswich City Council. Council has a pool of $90,000 to assist local artists and creative industries professionals.

Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cooper is ‘cast-ing’ the net wide in a bid to identify the next talent to benefit from funding.

“RADF recognises the important role the arts play within our community. This valuable program allows council to invest and promote local arts and culture, which in turn fosters the vibrancy, creativity and inclusiveness of our whole community,” Ms Cooper said.

“Much of what makes Ipswich so vibrant and liveable is linked to our passionate artists, musicians, creators, and performers.

“The RADF allows us to help people take their passion to the next level and we are focussed on making people aware of this funding.”

Ms Cooper said Ipswich City Council will be hosting a workshop as part of the Articulate series at Springfield Library on Saturday 17 February to help with project development, funding applications and putting together a budget.

“RADF is open to individuals, businesses, collectives and not-for-profit community organisations who are artists, arts and cultural practitioners or can showcase how their project will be linked to the creative industries based in the Ipswich region,” Ms Cooper said.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to have a look at the guidelines and reach out to us if they need anything clarified. Council will continue to enthusiastically support our city’s arts through funding and festivals.

“The arts bring such joy to many within our community, and we must do all we can to encourage our creatives to shine.”

Expressions of interest close on March 4 and further information is available on the webpage and in the guidelines.

Ipswich City Council is operating under caretaker provisions in accordance with Chapter 3, Part 5 of the Local Government Act 2009. Media communications by the Mayor and Councillors as ICC spokespeople during this time are limited to ensure compliance with legislation and, equity and transparency between existing Mayor, Councillors and candidates regarding access to Council resources.