Regional Arts Development Funding Awarded
Inglewood and Texas have scooped the pool in the first round of Goondiwindi Regional Council Regional Arts Development Fund funding approvals.
Grants totalling $8,713 were recently approved at a meeting of the RADF committee in Goondiwindi.
One application was rejected because it did not meet funding guidelines.
No applications were received from Goondiwindi.
The largest grant of $4,360 went to the Inglewood Children's Theatre Group to employ a professional artist to conduct a four-day workshop in puppetry theatre.
The Inglewood Indigenous Youth and Friends Committee applied for, and received, $2,050 to conduct a workshop in indigenous painting to promote indigenous culture.
The Inglewood Little Theatre Group's application for $1,500 to conduct weekend workshops to produce a community theatre performance was also approved, together with an application from the Texas Arts Council to conduct a painting workshop with noted artist A.W. (Bill) Morton attracted funding of $803.
Applications are now open for the second round of funding and will close on May 29 with the RADF meeting on June 11 to consider them.
More than $40,000 will be available for arts and cultural groups and individuals who meeting funding guidelines.
RADF chair Cr Sharon Lee said that the recent funding allocations would provide a major boost for the arts in Inglewood and Texas.
"However, it is a bit disappointing that groups and individuals in Goondiwindi did not take up the opportunity to apply," Cr Lee said.
"The money is there to assist the arts and culture across the Regional Council - from Talwood to Texas and all points in between.
"Inglewood and Texas groups are to be congratulated for their initiative in seeking these funds. It shows that the arts and cultural activities are alive and well in these centres," she said.
The local RADF committee approved the funding at only its second meeting under the auspices of the Goondiwindi Regional Council.
Although the committee has been expanded with increased funding ability, basic guidelines for assistance to individuals and groups have not changed.
The RADF supports but does not totally fund activities in the arts and cultural areas.
Applicants seek funds from the committee by detailing proposals which set out benefits to the arts and cultural life of the communities in which they are held.
Typically, applicants in the fields of music, art, literature, quilting, jewellery making and similar activities have been successful.
Information on applications may be obtained from RADF Liaison Officer David Hayward at the GRC or committee members Cr Sharon Lee, Julie Slack, Melissa McDowall (Inglewood), Michelle Kearney, Jenny Coleman, Lew Verney and Joe Hoffmann (Goondiwindi).
Mr Hayward can be contacted at the GRC on 4652 0218, fax 4652 1512 or dhayward@goondiwindirc.qld.gov.au.
For further information contact:
Mr David Hayward
Community Development Officer
(07) 4652 0218