RADF funding open for Townsville arts projects
Date published: 13 February 2024
Artists, organisations and creative businesses have until Sunday 25 February to get their Regional Art Development Fund (RADF) applications in.
Townsville City Council partners with Arts Queensland to deliver RADF grants, which support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
A Council spokesperson said local artists could apply for a grant worth between $1,000 and $10,000 to help bring their ideas to life.
“Council is encouraging all arts practitioners of all ages and genres in Townsville to apply to RADF now. The funding available can help take artistic dreams and turn them into reality and provides opportunities for local artists to grow,” the spokesperson said.
“In the past year RADF funds in Townsville have funded arts workshops, music videos, and the drafting of a non-fiction book.
“Townsville has a strikingly diverse and talented population, and our community places real value on the artistic work being created across the city, which is why Council remains committed to promoting local arts and culture for Townsville’s growing population.”
Townsville journalist Georgie Desailly was successful with her RADF application last year, securing funding to develop a book telling the stories of 10 refugees who now call Townsville home.
“The book centres on documenting the life stories of 10 refugees who have resettled in Townsville. It delves into their reasoning for leaving their home countries, their journey to Australia, resettlement in North Queensland, and highlights the positive contribution they're now making to the local community,” Ms Desailly said.
“From teachers and business owners to case workers and translators, the goal of this book is to break down-cross cultural barriers, promote an understanding of the refugee experience, highlight the wonderful contribution refugees bring to the community, and the role Townsville has played in providing them with the opportunities needed to thrive.
“The RADF funding has been pivotal, particularly in this early phase, as it has enabled me to now progress this project from simply an idea to the implementation stage.”
Ms Desailly is also the president of the Vinnies Refugee Assistance Program, and said she hoped her book would help preserve and promote Townsville’s cultural diversity.
“Townsville was declared a refugee welcome zone in 2009 and reaffirmed this status in 2011. Refugees make up a crucial part of the city's social and cultural fabric, and Townsville has become a key place for those seeking refuge and looking to build a new life in Australia,” she said.
“I hope the book will become a valuable community resource that enhances local access and understanding about the refugee experience, promotes awareness amongst the community, and encourages people to become more involved in local programs and initiatives that support refugee resettlement.
“I’m very thankful to Townsville City Council and Arts Queensland for their invaluable support of this project. Their backing is not only supporting a young local writer, but also helping to amplify and shine a spotlight on the voices of those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in our community.”
RADF applications are open now and close at 5pm on Sunday 25 February.
Visit our RADF web page for more information.
