The Arts

 

Queensland artists can benefits from skills development funding announced recently. Photo: Mike Curtain Skills boost for Queensland’s Indigenous artists Issue 72 - 20 Jan 2005 Wannabe broadcasters, entrepreneurs and artists are just some of the Indigenous people to benefit from more than $500,000 in skills development funding in Queensland. Employment, Training and Industrial Relations Minister Tom Barton said more than 50,000 hours of quality training would be provided to Queensland’s creative industries through TAFE institutes, private training providers and community organisations. “In order to have viable, internationally competitive arts and cultural industries relevant skills development is essential,” he said. “Under the department’s Creative Industries Training Initiative, Brisbane-based radio station 4AAA FM will receive $73,200 to upskill Indigenous students in the art of live broadcasting at major events such as the Woodford Folk Festival and Gympie Muster.” Yeronga TAFE will receive $26,095 to implement business strategies developed by the Mununjalli language groups and the Yugambeh Land Enterprises, which will widen employment opportunities for the Minjellah Dargun small business enterprises. Mr Barton said Moreton TAFE will receive $44,850 to provide training for Indigenous workers with the Queensland Baptist Aboriginal Corporation, enabling them to use Indigenous artwork to enhance existing products, and market and develop additional sales outlets. “Part of Cooloola Sunshine TAFE’s $124,600 funding allocation will provide local Indigenous workers with skills in Bush TV, enabling other regionally located Indigenous communities to benefit also,” Mr Barton said. “In 2004-05, the Creative Industries Training Initiative will see 15 different programs provide hundreds of Queenslanders with quality training, benefiting them and their communities, in the short and long term. “This initiative supports our commitment to the partnership between Arts Queensland and the Department of Employment and Training-Investing in Cultural Enterprises.” Mr Barton said people in creative industries throughout Queensland would learn new artistic skills as well as valuable business, planning and marketing skills, giving them wider employment opportunities and improved career prospects. “Festivals, opera, radio, art and culture help us unwind, lift community spirit and enrich our lives, while providing Queenslanders with sustainable jobs and exciting opportunities,” he said. Printer Friendly Version  Email Story to a Friend Submit Letter to Editor