Community & Business
15 February, 2025
Funding lifeline for festivals
MUSIC and cultural festivals struggling to find funding have been thrown a lifeline with the State Government committing to four-year grants worth a minimum of $100,000 per annum.
The announcement comes as news emerged recently that the popular Laura Quinkan Dance Festival was cancelled for 2025.
The biennial celebration, which features traditional First Nations dance, attracts thousands of locals and interstate visitors and has been running since the 1980s.
Last year, organisers had warned the 2025 festival might not go ahead because of the enormous costs holding the three-day event, as well as maintaining infrastructure.
The Arts Queensland’s Organisations Fund 2026-2029 is aimed at helping not-for-profit Queensland-based arts and cultural organisations by offering grants to subsidise operational and program delivery costs for events with live music as a key component.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Crisafulli Government recognised the vital economic contribution the festivals made to local communities.
“Our investment will ensure Queensland’s arts and cultural festivals provide access to high quality arts experiences, platform local artists and stories, and work to supercharge tourism outcomes across the state,” Minister Langbroek said.
Applications for the funding are now open and close on Monday, 10 March.
