Puppets lead arts development grants

A Theatrical Puppet Project is one of six projects that will share in $32,288 worth of grants allocated under Round Two of the 2020/21 Regional Arts Development Fund Community Funding Program.

“The RADF grants ensure that the Fraser Coast has a rich and vibrant arts community,” Councillor David Lewis said.

“They ensure that local arts can continue to grow and learn by helping artists attending training courses to bring skills to the region, and as in this case, help local theatre companies stage events for the community.”

The Macabre Theatre Company Puppet Project aims to develop a large-scale dragon puppet to be used in its upcoming production of Shrek The Musical and as a starting point to expand the use of puppetry in live theatre regionally.

Part of the project includes workshops to showcase how puppets are made and how they can be integrated into modern musical theatre.

This project will also involve the Macabre Theatre Company, Hervey Bay State High School, The Lewis Gallery and BM Film Productions.

Grant recipients include:

• Sandra Ross: $3,158 towards the Mothar Mountain project;
• Hervey Bay Spinners, Weavers and Dyers: $2,800 towards Hervey Bay Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artists Experts Workshops;
• Ian Brown: $3,300 towards the Storyteller's Guide to Heritage Maryborough project;
• Shawn Wondunna-Foley: $3,000 towards Creative Literature Work: Awakened, and;
• The Australian Light horse Association: $5,000 towards Australia Light Horse Sharing, commemorating, and healing together project.

The 2020/21 RADF program is jointly funded by the Queensland Government (Arts Queensland) and Council.

RADF invests in quality arts and cultural experiences that promote the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers to support diversity and inclusivity; grow strong regions; and provide training, education and employment opportunities for Queensland artists and local communities.