Workshops and performances which celebrate Latin music, dance and culture are on the way to the Bundaberg Region following the latest round of Regional Arts Development Fund grant approvals.
At Council’s September Ordinary Meeting, a grant of $8,800 was approved to help bring internationally acclaimed Latin artists to Bundaberg for workshops and performances in 2026.
Dance instructor and owner of Baylando Latin Fusion Hannah Reed said the RADF grant provided much needed support to bring her ideas to life.
“It was a huge relief to hear that I had been approved for the grant and an immense feeling of support,” Hannah said.
“It has been challenging to provide and maintain ever increasing standards without a business partner or other assistance so to know that I can make it even more accessible for other people to be able to experience great talent and hopefully find their belonging in our community is a game changer.
“Now that the project has been approved, I am collating a series of events to bring top quality artists and facilitators to Bundaberg.”
More information will be available on Balyando Latin Fusion’s website, www.baylando.com.au.
Three other projects were supported through RADF Quick Response Grants program, available for grants up to $2,000.
Local artists Debbie Bennett and Donna Lamprecht were successful in obtaining support to attend ceramic workshops of their choice, enabling the talented local artists to further their professional artistic practice.
Bundaberg resident Deepu Joseph Antony received a grant to hold a local premiere of his short film, ‘Chitra’, created in his native language, Malayalam, with English subtitles.
The special two-hour celebration on Friday 7 November will include performances from multicultural groups, highlighting and sharing the traditions that make Bundaberg a vibrant and inclusive community.
Community interested in attending the premiere can contact Praveen Mathewat multicultural@bundync.org.au.
About RADF
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has an impressive track record of supporting local arts and cultural programs across Queensland communities.
“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies.
“The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”
For more information and how to apply for a RADF grant, see Council’s website here.
