THE latest round of the Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) will award more than $1.4 million to 24 arts and cultural organisations across the state.
The funding grows creative activation across Queensland and provides more opportunities for community engagement with the arts, from Cairns in the north to Coolangatta in the south.
The Queensland Government’s investment in QASP supports local artists’ employment, while boosting the state’s reputation as a cultural destination.
Brisbane-based company empowering performers with a disability, Blue Roo Theatre, will receive funding for two new productions, Laughing Out Loud and Our Brisbane Story.
In Cairns, inclusive community theatre group Tropical Arts will stage a flamboyant retelling of Richard III by diverse artists.
While in Central Queensland, Isaac Regional Council will develop a community-driven art installation celebrating the unique wildlife of St. Lawrence.
Visual artist Shannon Michaels will also produce a multi-sensory artwork for vision-impaired spectators, which will tour to Adelaide in 2025.
In this round, five successful applicants will receive New Music funding, to commission Queensland-based musicians and composers to develop new live or recorded music to be part of their QASP projects.
State Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the funding would showcase the creative talent of Queensland artists and the activation of communities right from Cairns to the Gold Coast in 2025.
“This funding will boost employment and visitation to Queensland, helping to build our reputation as a vibrant, creative, and innovative destination in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Langbroek said.
Blue Roo Theatre Company President, Deborah Walker said the investment would showcase the incredible and unique talents of performers with disabilities.
