Bundaberg Regional Council is developing a plan to activate the arts sector and to assist its recovery after the pandemic restrictions through a project called Art as an Act of Optimism.
“Artists are uniquely placed to deal with a crisis like this pandemic,” said arts portfolio spokesman Cr John Learmonth.
“Imagination is the key,” he said.
“Artists face a blank page, stage or screen and know that their creative skills will be able to create something brand new.
“This is the situation we’re all in at present.”
The plan involves hosting a range of online forums with guest speakers from all over the country as well as opportunities for artists or arts organisations in the Bundaberg Region to be engaged through paid opportunities to create digital performances and workshops.
“Our staff have been planning for the sector’s recovery,” Cr Learmonth said.
“And of course the community, artists and arts organisations need to be the focus of any recovery plan.
“Rather than talk, our plan involves getting artists paid to create work that will feed into the recovery effort.”
Through the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership with the State Government through Arts Queensland, Council is calling for expressions of interest from artists and arts organisations for a number of specific programs.
First, musicians with original music are offered the opportunity to record their song and have it featured on the new Bundaberg Now Podcast.
Artists will be paid a fee of $250 and will receive a copy of the recording file as part of their involvement. Only 10 musicians will be selected.
In addition, artists and arts organisations who have an idea for a unique digital workshop or performance are invited to express interest.
A flat fee of $500 will be paid for each of these projects.
“We’re looking for all kinds of artists creating work that we haven’t seen yet,” Cr Learmonth said.
Ideally, we’re looking to provide the broadest range of experiences to online audiences to promote the Bundaberg Region and the breadth of talent we have in this community.”
There is also a more extended opportunity for artists who are interested in a month-long residency to create work that will help to reactivate the community.
These are 10 residency opportunities available at $1000 each.
“All of the work created through this program is leading somewhere,” said Cr Learmonth.
“We are working towards a big public project down the track as a way of demonstrating what a strong and resilient region we are here in the Bundaberg Region.”
Expressions of Interest are only open for a limited period and need to be submitted via email by close of business on Thursday, 25 June.
Information on the “Art as an Act of Optimism” Plan is available at https://www.artsbundaberg.com.au/artsbundyathome or by contacting Rod Ainsworth, Manager, Arts and Cultural Services, on rod.ainsworth@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
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