Six creative projects across Redlands Coast are set to take centre stage, sharing in more than $47,000 through the latest round of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the funding would encourage exciting partnerships within the arts community and support creative and skills development for individual artists and groups.
“Redlands Coast is home to a thriving arts sector and this funding will help support the creative community and strengthen the cultural life of our city,” Cr Talty said.
“The RADF assessment panel was very pleased with the high standard of projects submitted for funding consideration, particularly by creative community groups.
“For example, community concert band Redland City Bands has received funding for a collaborative project that will feature didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton and internally acclaimed soprano Mirusia Louwerse.
“The band will present a concert at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) showcasing Australian music and stories, titled Echoes from Home, featuring newly commissioned work by emerging local composer Amy Reilly.
“Another group, Redland City Show Choir, will use the funding to undertake advanced choral skills development at the Hobart Festival of Voices and will then share those skills locally through workshops, mentoring and performances at RPAC.
“Another exciting project will be delivered by indelarts, which provides creative opportunities for people who identify as disabled or neurodivergent.
“Two free, live music showcases delivered by indelarts on Redlands Coast will build performance skills and increase visibility for local artists with a disability.
“In another of the funded projects, both experienced and budding writers on the islands will have the opportunity to hone their craft at a weekend writers retreat organised by Macleay Island Inspirational Writers Group.”
Cr Talty said two recipients would use the RADF funding to enhance their artistic practice in different mediums – ceramics and songwriting/singing.
“However, their projects will have broader benefits to the community through the delivery of free ceramics workshops and through the recording of original songs that embed First Nations storytelling, increasing awareness of the region’s rich cultural heritage,” she said.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Portfolio representative Cr Paul Bishop said the projects demonstrated how RADF funding was fostering creativity and supporting artistic development across Redlands Coast.
“These projects not only nurture emerging and established creatives, but also enhance the cultural experiences available to the broader community and for all those who love the arts,” Cr Bishop said.
Information on all successful RADF recipients is available on Council’s website.
The next round of applications for RADF grants opens on 31 August 2026.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
