Nearly $200,000 in grants have been awarded to 19 artistic groups and individuals through the Creative Sparks Grants program, with four of these recipients located in West End.
The Creative Sparks Grants aim to invigorate the local arts scene by funding a diverse array of projects. The grants provide up to $10,000 to support creative endeavours across the suburbs, from theatrical productions and dance to circus performances and live music.
This influx of funding, from Brisbane City Council in partnership with the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, is expected to enhance Brisbane’s lifestyle offerings, increase job opportunities, attract tourism, and strengthen the community’s cultural fabric.
West End, in particular, has seen a significant boost with several notable projects:
Egan Kingsley Sun-Bin is preparing for the Australian premiere of “Scenes from a Yellow Peril” by Nathan Joe, focusing on a week of rehearsals for BIPOC performers and creatives, supported by a grant of $10,450.
Lewis Treston collaborates on “The Light in the Sahara” with director Sanja Simić and actor Christen O’Leary, developing a new Australian work slated for a November 2024 showcase at Metro Arts, with a funding of $11,000.
Peter Thornley’s “Ancient Echoes: Old Lore & Young Bloods” empowers First Nations youth through music and performance, celebrating Indigenous culture with a grant of $9,020.
@old.lore When you only need to circular breath for a 3mim track but you got skills and keep goong until the engineer stops you. 🤪 #didgeridoo #gunggari ♬ original sound – Old Lore
Emma Churchland revisits the camp spectacle “CAKE” at Metro Arts, offering an enriching experience to both audiences and early-career artists with a grant of $11,000.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed enthusiasm for the grants’ potential to enrich Brisbane’s creative landscape.
“These grants allow our talented industry professionals to deliver exciting works that create more jobs, attract further tourism, and improve our creative communities. We look forward to seeing what inspires the next wave of Creative Sparks alumni as they bring more creative offerings to our suburbs.”
Published 25-April-2024
