The Queensland Government has announced more than $1.3 million in grants through the second round of the Queensland Arts Project Fund, backing 35 artists, groups and organisations from Cairns to Currumbin to create new visual and performing arts works as part of the state's broader $391.9 million arts budget.
The arts announcement comes on the heels of separate nightlife economy reforms unveiled over the weekend, with the government launching a new initiative called Homegrown alongside an expansion of its Queensland on Tour program – both aimed at bolstering the state's live music industry ahead of Brisbane 2032.
The grants announced today, delivered under the Queensland's Time to Shine arts strategy, support projects spanning contemporary circus, First Nations storytelling, regional theatre and digital art, with individual grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek says the grants reflect the government's commitment to nurturing homegrown creative talent across the state.
“Since its launch late last year, the Queensland Arts Project Fund has helped some of our most-talented Queenslanders bring their creative ideas to life,” he says.
“The fund supports a pipeline of new and ambitious creative work, while also creating employment opportunities and career development across our arts sector.
“By helping local creatives to share unique histories, stories and perspectives, we are continuing to strengthen Queensland’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Brisbane-based Vulcana Circus is among the recipients with the company's creative director Allie Wilde revealing the funding will allow the troupe to develop a new large-scale work blending contemporary circus with live music.
Her work, Cashless & Care-Free which premieres in November, will take audiences through a multi-sensory environment, blending circus, theatre, movement, poetry and live music.
“Over the past six years, my work as an artist has become increasingly intertwined with care - through motherhood, caring for ageing parents, and my work in the birth space alongside my studies in midwifery,” says Wilde.
“Together with the lived experience of co-director Barbara Lowing, this has shaped the artistic inquiry behind Cashless & Care-Free.
“This funding will enable Vulcana to bring together an intergenerational, cross-disciplinary ensemble to create a bold, immersive, site-specific performance that gives form to the often invisible and undervalued labour of care.”
Meanwhile, the nightlife economy reforms unveiled over the weekend included the launch of a new initiative called Homegrown alongside an expansion of the government’s Queensland on Tour program, both aimed at bolstering the state's live music industry ahead of Brisbane 2032.
Homegrown will offer major touring acts discounts on state-owned venues if they include local Queensland artists as support acts, creating pathways for emerging musicians to perform in front of larger audiences.
Queensland on Tour is being expanded to connect more regional venues with national music promoters, ensuring touring acts reach more corners of the state.
Work is also under way on liquor licence fee reductions for grassroots live music venues, forming part of the first initiatives ahead of a full Nightlife Economy Action Plan due for release soon.
Minister for Youth Sam O'Connor says the reforms are designed to strengthen live music, support grassroots venues and create more opportunities for Queensland artists.
“A thriving live music industry supports local businesses, creates jobs, attracts visitors and helps build vibrant experiences across Queensland,” says O'Connor.
The combined push across arts funding and nightlife reform follows independent analysis underscoring the economic weight of Queensland's music sector.
A University of the Sunshine Coast impact study found the 2025 BIGSOUND conference in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley generated a $20.15 million economic contribution and supported 269 jobs, delivering a 10-to-one return on public investment.
Dr Andy Ward, who led the university's analysis, noted the result demonstrated the outsized returns live music events could deliver when supported by targeted government investment and industry collaboration.
Collins said stronger venues would ultimately build a stronger nighttime economy across the state.
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