Support for local artists and cultural initiatives

Cairns’ vibrant arts and cultural scene continues to thrive, with eleven exciting new projects sharing in almost $95,000 of funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Major Round Two.

Delivered in partnership between Arts Queensland and Cairns Regional Council, RADF supports locally driven arts and cultural initiatives that reflect the unique identity of the region and promote innovation, diversity, inclusiveness, and community connection.

The successful recipients in this round include:

• Amber Farnan – for the recording and launch of two new singles ($4,550).
• ARC Disability Services Inc. – to adapt Adam Reddcliffe’s children’s book The Magnificent Danny & Dazzle into a transformative theatre production ($4,884).
• Crate59 Inc – for REEF CITY, an art and fashion event during Cairns Festival 2025 ($12,000).
• Daniela Vavrova – for The Yorkey’s Knob History Project, documenting the resilient coastal community through multimedia storytelling ($11,666).
• Gondwana Choirs – for Songfest 2025, a week-long cultural and musical residency in Cairns, where the Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir and Sydney Children’s Choir will collaborate and perform with local schools ($4,600).
• NorthSite Contemporary Arts Ltd. – for New Ways: Contemporary Shell Body Adornments, led by Traditional Owner Marun Carl Fourmile of Minjil ($12,000).
• Overall Arts – for The Electric Six, a youth-led Pathway Program developed in partnership with JUTE Theatre Company, supporting six emerging youth actors and three youth designers ($8,272).
• Rachel Terry – to deliver a month-long international mentorship at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival for five emerging Cairns artists ($12,000).
• Street Elements Academy Inc. – for The North Queensland Breaking Bootcamp 2025, featuring dance instructors from Japan and Sydney ($6,700).
• Wendy Mocke – for the creative development of Jalbu Mari, a new stage play ($5,800).
• Youth Service Providers Inc – for A New Face, a theatre and storytelling project empowering individuals with lived experience of homelessness ($12,000).

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the RADF grants played an important role in supporting the vibrant arts community.

“They give local artists and creatives the opportunity to grow their skills and deliver projects and initiatives that connect with the community,” she said.

“From new music and theatre to fashion and mentorship, it’s exciting to see the diversity of ideas being brought to life.”

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has an impressive track record of supporting local arts and cultural programs across Queensland communities.

“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.

“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies. The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”

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