Arts Queensland has announced a new approach to touring in the State, making it easier to take arts experiences on the road to diverse audiences and communities.
Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch said arts were at the centre of Queensland’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, each year injecting $8.5 billion into the State’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs.
“Arts touring in Queensland is one of the primary ways for regional communities to have access to an increased number of exciting and high-quality arts experiences,” Ms Enoch said.
“Following extensive consultation with Arts organisations, the new Touring Queensland Fund (TQF) and Touring Queensland Fund Quick (TQFQuick) were open, replacing the Playing Queensland Fund.”
She said the two funds would support touring performing and visual arts projects, providing a range of performances, exhibitions, workshops and arts in education programming.
This would include artist-in-residence programs in regional areas, and would also support regionally-based artists to tour to Brisbane.
“These new funds are designed to be more responsive, flexible and adaptable, giving communities across the State the opportunity to engage with more first-class arts experiences,” Ms Enoch said.
“The TQF will support multi-tour applications, digital engagement that supplements live touring and will also expand eligibility to support artists and arts workers.”
She said TQFQuick was designed to build on the success of the short-term funding programs Creative to Go and Play Local created as part of the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package in response to the impact of COVID-19.
“This funding will provide a quick turnaround for applicants and will be responsive to the many great touring opportunities as they become available,” Ms Enoch said.
