Oscar-winning filmmaker to teach local youth thanks to grant

Published: 28 Oct 2020

A filmmaking workshop, an interactive online choir, The Safety Circus, several art exhibitions and two music recordings were among projects funded at today’s meeting of council.

These creative projects were among nine applications to share in $43,080 in Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants.

RADF Committee Chair Cr Fran Mann said council was excited to be able to support the Noosa Film Academy Youth Filmmaking Workshops to the tune of $10,000.

“The committee were very supportive of this project and see its potential to create amazing opportunities that young people in our region have limited access to,” Cr Mann said.

“Greg Huglin, who will be delivering the workshops, is an amazing cinematographer who won an Academy Award for The Cove which took out ‘Best Documentary’ in 2010,” she said.

Cr Mann said the Mackay Computer Choir was also an innovative standout that received $7475.

“It will be an online, four-week, interactive choir experience where residents can join in from their homes,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity and one that fits well in these COVID-19 times.

“The committee was also pleased to be able to support some very talented up-and-coming musicians.

“Jonte Tupea was granted $10,000 to create and produce an EP of five original songs and two music videos and The Base Coats were granted $5780 to also produce and promote an EP.

“Both of these acts are making names for themselves locally and gaining considerable followings – hopefully this will be the next step in taking their careers to the next level.”

Cr Mann said the committee was thrilled to be able to support The Safety Circus for another year with a $4620 grant.

“The Safety Circus is a touring theatre production with safety messages for eight-year-olds around road safety, bullying and dealing with adults.

“Not only is this a great show that helps young people, it also represents a fantastic opportunity for local emerging performers to gain experience and exposure.”

The following projects were also funded under this round:

  • Repositories for Visual Expression – a two-day workshop with visual artist, Peta Lloyd - $2280
  • No Rein Exhibition Concept Development – research for Lian Meany’s first solo exhibition "No Rein" exploring the relationship between humans and horses - $2050
  • The Undercurrent of Motherhood – Lisa Roebig Holmes to develop an exhibition project focused on the theme of motherhood - $2000
  • Kara Day’s concept development for a new body of work - $1155

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.