- Thirteen organisations will share in $618,018 of Grow Cultural Tourism Fund investment to boost cultural tourism projects and events across Queensland.
- Funded projects included feasibility studies for new festivals through to supporting established events with new or expanded arts and cultural programming.
- The fund is part of the Miles Government's 10-year Creative Together strategy to strengthen arts and cultural events which grow creative employment, activate communities and drive economic outcomes.
From Mareeba to Texas and Winton to Nambour, Queensland's cultural calendar is set to grow with the Miles Government delivering more than $600,000 in funding to support the delivery of impactful arts and cultural experiences across the state.
Thirteen recipients will use the funding to activate communities, amplify cultural vibrancy and drive economy-boosting tourism.
The Grow Cultural Tourism Fund reinforces Queensland's reputation as an iconic cultural tourism destination by growing the state-wide calendar of arts and cultural events ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Four organisations have been supported to investigate the feasibility of potential new events:
- The Crackup Sisters' concept for a comedy festival in western Queensland in 2026,
- NorthSite Contemporary Arts' proposed Oceania Print Festival in Cairns, and
- the Museum of Brisbane's proposal for a city-wide visual arts event in 2026.
Key regional music festivals are also being supported to help them grow:
- the Texas Country Music Festival to attract high-profile artists,
- the Sunshine Coast's Big Pineapple Music Festival to have more visual arts and local artists, and
- the Baralaba Bash music and arts festival to attract big-name headline acts and make the festival bigger and better known.
First Nations artists are also being backed:
- the 2024 Mt Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo will now include a precinct to showcase First Nations art, dance, songs, stories, performances and workshops, and
- the Savannah in the Round music event will now include First Nations artistic displays and cultural activities.
As stated by the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:
"Queensland is known for its iconic experiences and this investment will help generate more engaging arts and cultural events and programming to attract even greater numbers of visitors," Ms Enoch said.
"As we prepare for the global spotlight of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Miles Government is ensuring our regional communities can leverage the opportunities the Games will present, and benefit from legacy outcomes.
"Our Grow Cultural Tourism Fund supports a strong calendar of diverse and vibrant arts and cultural events across the state, stimulating local creative communities, engaging wider audiences, growing jobs for artists and arts workers, and driving positive economic outcomes."
As stated by Isa Rodeo Ltd CEO Natalie Flecker:
"The ability to expand the program of the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships to include a First Nations arts and cultural precinct creates an opportunity to celebrate Kalkutungu people on Kalkadoon Country, create unity and close the gap, build pride in Mount Isa with its Indigenous and non-indigenous people and create employment.," Ms Flecker said.
"This is a testament to our commitment to walk the pathway together. We will continue to listen and learn through stories, song, dance and truth-telling that is weaved into delivery of this very special event that we encourage everyone to come and experience for themselves.
"First Nations peoples, especially in the North West, have long been involved in the cattle industry, rodeo circuits and stock work, and they were key to growing these industries despite the historical trauma they faced during these times. It is important that we utilise and respect the importance of having a strong First Nations cultural presence at this sporting event.
"The idea of Kiakati is to create a dedicated space that showcases not only local Kalkadoon/Kalkutungu arts and culture, but also the arts and culture of neighbouring peoples connected to Kalkutungu through traditional trade routes and song lines.
"With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games approaching, Kiakati and the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships has the potential to grow into a leading Queensland event to celebrate and recognise the ongoing contributions of Australia's First Nations peoples."
As stated by Sound Australia's James Dein:
"We are ecstatic to be given the opportunity to extend our support of local jobs, artists and businesses at this year's Savannah in the Round, through this generous grant," Mr Dein said.
"The art activations at Savannah have always tapped into the interwoven landscape - reflecting the colours, elements, textures that are significant to the area. This year we are excited to see more of this from the numerous arts projects - like weaving, mural painting and light projections - that we will feature at the festival.
"We look forward to helping provide a platform, particularly for young and emerging artists, and First Nations artists to bring to life the creative ideas of Tropical North Queensland."
