Arts sector in Queensland set to RISE

Ten Queensland arts projects will share in over $7 million funding from the first batch of the Morrison Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

Grants up to $1.5 million will begin to flow immediately, supporting arts and entertainment sector organisations in Queensland that are seeking to restart, re-imagine or create new cultural and creative activities.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the grants were an important step in safeguarding the future of Queensland’s creative and cultural sector.

“Cultural and creative organisations are part of Queensland’s identity and soul, which is why we are so pleased to provide over $7 million in funding to 10 projects across the state, to support their long-term sustainability,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The arts and entertainment sector makes up a large contingent of the Queensland’s workforce, and our investment will support the creation of nearly 10,000 jobs across the state, with benefits to flow on to the tourism, hospitality, transport and freight sectors.”

Brisbane audiences will be the first to experience the Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show, which will receive more than $1.3 million in support. The live circus production is anticipated to reach more than 120,000 people. 

One of the largest grant recipients in Queensland is The Queensland Music Trail, which received nearly $1.5 million in funding. The world-first music tourism platform inspires audiences to discover regional and remote Queensland.

The $75 million RISE program was announced as part of the Government’s $250 million Creative Economy Support Package to help restart activities such as festivals, concerts, tours and events once it is safe to do so. It is anticipated the Fund will create 44,000 jobs across Australia.