- Miles Government delivers $2 million funding package for the Woodford Folk Festival
- This investment will support the ongoing viability of the festival, and support hundreds of jobs
- The festival contributes about $29 million in economic impact into Queensland each year
The Miles Government has delivered a $2 million funding package to the Woodford Folk Festival, which will help future proof the event and support hundreds of jobs.
In a show of support for the homegrown arts and cultural event, $1.6 million will be invested in the event site, Woodfordia, which will improve the visitor experience and mitigate weather impacts through infrastructure enhancements.
A further one-off $400,000 uplift will also support the programming of Australian artists through the festival.
This funding works to future proof the iconic festival, grow gigs for artists, and ensure the continued success of the event, which contributes approximately $29 million in economic impact into Queensland each year.
Investment will support the festival to continue to grow employment opportunity for artists, and will secure the 268 full-time equivalent jobs supported through the festival's delivery.
This funding for the festival, together with the creation of a new Night Life Economy Commissioner, builds upon the government's ongoing commitment to supporting Queensland's dynamic night life and entertainment industry.
The Commissioner, who will be appointed in due course following the closure of an expression of interest process, will work with industry to support, promote, and advocate for Queensland's night life economy.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"I know Woodford Folk Festival means so much to many Queenslanders, including me.
"It's something I look forward to every year and have seen my fair share of local, national and international acts at this special event.
"We know small businesses are doing it tough and none more so than arts businesses and live music venues, which are the lifeblood of precincts and communities across the state.
"This $2 million package reaffirms my government's commitment to supporting the entertainment and live music industry, while ensuring the festival continues to connect artists and audiences for years to come."
As stated by Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch:
"We know that artists, arts workers and arts organisations are experiencing the impacts of national cost of living pressures, which is why we're taking action to support the live music industry and festival sector.
"Our investment in Woodford Folk Festival recognises the role of the festival in activating communities and platforming Queensland talent, alongside national and international artists.
"It supports more artists to feature in the festival program and will boost Queensland's creative economy with the festival supporting opportunities for 1,800 artists and presenters and welcoming audiences of more than 100,000 each year, driving cultural tourism outcomes in the region."
As stated by Co-Founder of Woodfordia and Director of Woodford Folk Festival Amanda Jackes:
"We're incredibly excited about the opportunities that the Queensland Government and Arts Queensland funding will enable and are deeply grateful to the Miles Government for the commitment to live music and our internationally iconic festival.
"Since 1994 we have invested over $26.6 million to make this site and the 37-year-old festival something people from around the world and within Australia travel to each year in celebration of our arts and culture and, importantly, each other.
"With this investment we are able to not only continue work on our beautiful site and ensure patrons have a fantastic experience, but also strengthen our programme of outstanding artistic and cultural merit to attract strong audiences and ensure patron delight.
"As we implement the infrastructure upgrades and prepare for another extraordinary festival season, we are more committed than ever to enhancing the experience for all who visit us."
