In a first of its kind, three regional councils in the Wide Bay and Burnett have invested to extend arts services across the region.
Partnering with CQUniversity, this innovative approach will see Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and South Burnett Regional Councils work strategically together to help strengthen the arts.
“This collaborative project could not have come at a better time,” said Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network Project Officer Trudie Leigo, who will be tasked with delivering the project.
“Artists, like so many small businesses, have been greatly impacted by COVID-19.”
“This project focuses on building the skills of artists and artworkers, as well as increasing opportunities for communities across the Wide Bay and Burnett.”
“As we recover from the pandemic, we will be bringing people back together again, to learn, to get hands on and to support each other.”
This seven-month project will see the Central Queensland Regional Arts Network lead a series of activities and events across the Wide Bay and Burnett, delivering workshops and forums, as well as networking and festival events.
Ms Leigo will also be offering by-appointment advice sessions to artists and arts workers to help get their projects and ideas off the ground.
The project will run from December 2020 through to June 2021.
Bundaberg Regional Council arts portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the three councils had contributed a total of $80,000 between them to the project.
“The Bundaberg Region is fortunate to have a thriving arts community, but there is no doubt that COVID-19 has had an impact on the industry,” Cr Learmonth said.
“This collaboration between council, the university and local artists provides a definite strategy for restoring our arts community to full strength.
“By working together we can create improved opportunities for our artists.”
The project has been made possible with the support of the State Government through Arts Queensland, the Regional Arts Services Network and the Regional Arts Development Fund.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council, Bundaberg Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council.
