Special Round of Council RADF Program Now Open

RADF Chernee Sutton Exhibition Opening
The combined Chern’ee and Brooke Sutton exhibition at the Mount Isa Regional Art Gallery in October last year was made possible thanks to a grant from Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund.

Published: 12th August 2020

Council has opened a special round of its Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and is calling for local arts organisations and groups to submit their applications to fund the development of their project or activity.

A RADF grant can help cover up to 65 percent of the total cost of a project. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, for projects starting after Thursday, September 24, 2020.

Deputy Mayor and Council RADF Chair Phil Barwick said the committee is interested in hearing from groups that have projects that could be completed in line with COVID-19 safety requirements.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lately there haven’t been a lot of RADF applications related to the performing arts. There hasn’t been much interest shown in applying, due to COVID restrictions,” Cr Barwick said.

“So this time around, if there’s anything that people want to do that complies with COVID-19 rules when it comes to static artwork or the performing arts, for example, then we’d be happy to entertain it.”

Cr Barwick said Council’s RADF committee is hoping to attract the interest of local artists of all skill levels – either groups or individuals – who have an idea for a project that they’ve always wanted to see come to fruition.

“We’re happy to have a chat to them at any time. They’re welcome to get in contact with our RADF Liaison Officer about submitting an application,” Cr Barwick said.

“Council is very interested in making the city a more liveable community, so any project that goes along with that is quite welcome.”

He said the committee may even consider providing seed funding for projects people may have in mind for Mount Isa’s 100 Years Celebrations in 2023.

“If anyone wants to start working on something for that event – something in the historical or natural environment spheres, for instance – there’s a possibility we can provide seed money to get it underway," he said.

“We’re also interested in artwork related to the industry of mining in the city.”

For more information about the application process for a RADF grant, please contact Council’s RADF Liaison Officer on 4747 3200 or visit www.mountisa.qld.gov.au/radf

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mount Isa City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.