Stormwater drains to undergo artistic transformation

The $7649 grant was one of 10 RADF grants approved at the ordinary meeting of council to the value of $59,088.

RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann said the stormwater drain artwork was a fun and engaging way to remind residents that what goes into our drains will eventually enter our waterways.

“Reef Catchments will use the funding to employ a local artist to create beautiful artworks that will increase regional liveability and hopefully inspire the Mackay public to pay particular attention to the way they dispose of their rubbish,” Cr Mann said.

Also funded to the value of $3000 was a Deadly Weavers workshop aimed at sharing traditional ancient Aboriginal weaving techniques with local textile artists.

Cr Mann said the RADF Committee was pleased to see an application exploring the arts practice of film making.

“Celese Heward received $7217 for the concept development of a documentary film exploring the rise in suicide, bullying, substance abuse and the decline in mental health in the modern era,” she said.

“We look forward to this project coming to fruition and commend Celese’s decision to showcase some significant local stories and use local suicide prevention officers, doctors and professionals.”

Also funded in this round were:

• (Re)action: states of change - a collaborative, cross-regional, transmedia exhibition project that highlights the beauty of and threats to our marine environments - $5000
• Lichen Garden Exhibition - the production of crochet lichens for exhibition at Artspace Mackay in 2021 and delivery of two sculptural crochet workshops - $8000
• Bella Mackenzie’s music single release - $1541
• Earth Connections - live online fibre art workshops - $5400
• Folks Like Us Album - debut album for Mackay band, comprising of 10 original music tracks by Kathleen Campbell, Sarah Rozekrans and Brendan Smith - $6435
• Conversations with Australian South Sea Islanders: a part of Australian history – a solo charcoal portrait exhibition at Artspace, Mackay - $7000
• Community Pantomime Project – the Kucom Youth Drama Group plans to combine with the youth choir, Treble Trouble, to present a production - $7848

About RADF

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

Queensland Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said investing in creative and cultural experiences through RADF strengthened regional communities, boosted cultural tourism, and enhanced the quality of life in rural and remote towns and cities.

“RADF is a unique partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local talent, unite communities and celebrate the arts across the state,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland, is contributing $2.08 million in 2018-19 in partnership with 58 councils state-wide to help deliver cultural experiences which align with local priorities,” she said.