A series of workshops will soon be underway in the region to assist the youth LGBTQI community in producing a local theatre production.
Local arts production company, Creative Regions is producing the workshop series and performance outcome with the aid of funding from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
The initiative will include a production featuring stories, themes and ideas driven by the LGBTQI youth (15-25) and their allies throughout the Bundaberg Regional community.
Participants will develop skills in a range of activities including performance, digital projection, and technical skills.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said that the RADF and Creative Regions provided a variety of opportunities for the Bundaberg Region community to be involved in the arts industry.
“Interactive workshop programs such as this provide a fantastic opportunity for our local community to meet new people and learn many new skills,” Cr Learmonth said.
“These programs wouldn’t be available without the RADF partnership between Council and the State Government and organisations like Creative Regions, so, I thank them both for their commitment to bringing these programs to our region.”
Creative Regions Associate Producer Jacqui Smith said the program was a fantastic way for the LGBTQI people of the region to be given a safe space to feel like they can be themselves.
“This sort of program helps us identify youth that are talented and keen to be involved in theatre and performances,” Jacqui said.
The workshops will begin in early July to coincide with the upcoming school holidays, then will be held weekly.
“Our first workshops will be in the June July school holidays on 6 and 7 July between 10 am and 12 pm at Riverfeast,” Jacqui said.
“Even if you cannot make these workshops we would love to hear from you. After the holidays the workshops will be one night a week.
“We are excited to be working with the LGBTQI community to ensure they have a voice and their stories are being represented in our arts scene and more importantly in Bundaberg.”
The best way to get involved is to email to register your interest and find out more details.
Creative Regions will offer participants an opportunity to apply as the Youth Producer, a paid opportunity for professional development and mentorship which will be available for the life of the project.
The Youth Producer will also be connected to other young producers within the state, creating a peer-to-peer network.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said that the long standing RADF program would help to boost Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, supporting artists and arts workers with employment opportunities through $4.2 million in funding for regional cultural projects.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing $2.08 million in RADF for 2020-21 and an additional $2.13 million will be contributed by 59 councils across Queensland,” Minister Enoch said.
“Each year RADF showcases the extraordinary innovation of the arts and cultural sector in regional communities, delivers rich arts experiences and provides important professional opportunities for artists and arts workers.”
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
