Whether it was Dancing In The Rainbow, creating an Indigenous inspired mosaic or taking part in one of many summer programs making puppets or creating public artwork, the program ensured community members had the chance to let the artist inside shine throughout the year.
The Arts Queensland partnership between Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government helped fund 16 quality arts and cultural experiences with RADF grants totalling $123,857.50 last year.
Of the 16 RADF grants, six were part of a new Quick Response Grants program which provided up to $2000 to an individual project.
Local photographer Sabrina Lauriston said she was successful in receiving the Quick Response Grant for her upcoming exhibition I am Woman, which will open on International Women’s Day on 8 March in the School of Arts building.
Sabrina said the grant allowed her the opportunity to explore the lives of local women and photograph them in their true essence.
“‘I am Woman, a photographic project, is a reflection of what women have become today as the result of the rights won from the battles of the suffragettes of past generations,” Sabrina said.
“Women today live with those rights but strive for different needs and dreams.”
Choosing 14 women to be the subjects of the exhibition was a tough job for Sabrina.
“I have used 14 Bundaberg women as a sample, but there were hundreds and hundreds of women that could tell their stories.
“Each of them of a different age and have a different background – from a doctor in a hospital, a student, an artist, one with a PHD, a mum and even a drag queen who shares her right to feel like a woman.”
Living in the Bundaberg Region after moving from Italy 15 years ago, Sabrina said she was grateful for the opportunities that allowed her to create such artistic exhibitions.
“The grant helped with the expenses such as prints and installation,” she said.
“This exhibition is a bit of change for me, I do a lot of black and white photography, but this is a celebration of colours.”
RADF 2021 supports range of projects
Paul Perry’s Dugg'un: Rainbow Water Snake Mosaic project and Judith Stutchbury’s children's chapter book Hatch were also both successful in receiving Quick Response Grants.
Portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the Regional Arts Development Fund helped emerging and established artists and arts workers to turn their visions and initiatives into reality.
Cr Learmonth said many Bundaberg Region artist and community groups helped provide social contributions within the community through the grants.
“The Bundaberg Region has a wealth of creativity and many artists and community groups have been able to share their passion and projects with the help of RADF assistance,” he said.
“This funding helps to promote the role and value of arts, culture and heritage in a diverse and inclusive community.”
Cr Learmonth said RADF complements the Bundaberg Region Arts+Culture Strategy 2019-2023, which provides an overarching vision and direction for the delivery of Bundaberg Regional Council’s arts and cultural facilities, programs and services.
Funding for the monthly Quick Response Grants will continue until June or until funds have been expended.
The Open Round of funding will close on Friday 25 February for projects commencing after 25 April.
Local creatives are encouraged to apply online at www.artsbundaberg.com.au/radf or contact the RADF Officer on 1300 883 699 for more information.
