Four creative projects that encourage community participation have received support from Bundaberg Regional Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Council approved $31,000 in RADF funding at the Ordinary meeting on Tuesday 24 February.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the funded projects highlighted the important role the arts can play in creating a vibrant, liveable regional community.
“It’s great to see that we will have some community-led art projects that will centre on bringing people and cultural experiences into the Bundaberg CBD,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Supporting projects that promote positive CBD visits is a key pillar of Council’s Safe Spaces, Thriving Places initiative.
“Through inviting community participation and activating spaces within the CBD, these projects empower our residents to get involved in revitalising this key communal area.”
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Bundaberg Regional Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, a 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.
“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.”
Funded projects
I See You Bundy!
A grant of $4,900 was approved for William Debois’ project ‘I See You Bundy!’, which seeks to celebrate Bundaberg’s overlooked beauty through community photography.
Participants will capture urban details on guided tours, culminating in a public activation that transforms street-facing windows into large-scale artworks and an interactive self-guided quest.
Funding will support artists, materials and community engagement to connect people with the Bundaberg CBD.
This project is subject to a successful Public Art Masterplan application.
Illuminated Stories: Community Animation and Projection in Bundaberg
Funding of $11,500 was approved for Donna Maree Robinson’s project ‘Illuminated Stories: Community Animation and Projection in Bundaberg’.
This project is a community-led animation and large-scale projection initiative developed with Bundaberg Region residents.
Participants will create animated artworks through workshops, culminating in outdoor projection screenings later in the year.
Funding will support artists, workshops and materials, activating public spaces in welcoming, inclusive ways that foster connection and a sense of belonging.
The Scene Project
Queensland Theatre Company was granted $5,500 to bring its largest educational offering to the region.
‘The Scene Project’, suitable for grades 7 to 12, will empower students to engage in theatre-making and build connection, wellbeing and collaboration.
Teachers receive professional development in term one, students create their own 15-minute versions of a commissioned play in term two, and outcome days in term three allow participants to share their work and view a full ensemble performance.
Funding will support artist facilitation, workshops and resources to deliver a meaningful, creative learning experience.
Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra
The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) will return to the region in August to deliver its project ‘Building Bundaberg’s Creative Capacity through Historically Informed Performance Workshops, Concerts, Professional Artist Development and Community Engagement’.
This project, which received $9,340 in funding, aims to build skills, confidence and engagement in classical music.
Activities include workshops for emerging musicians, professional development for local educators, a public concert featuring youth, a free community engagement event and a community music education experience.
Funding will support artist facilitation, workshops and events, fostering long-term audience pathways, cultural confidence and artistic growth in the region.
