The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has announced the approval of over $180,000 for community groups, artists and musicians in the Torres Strait region through its bi-annual Common Funding Round.
The funding, approved under the Culture, Arts and Heritage (CAH) Programme, will support a wide range of projects including community participation in regional celebrations such as Mabo Day, the 75th Anniversary of Light Infantry Brigade and the 50th Anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander Railwaymen’s world record for track-laying on the Mt Newman Line in 1968.
TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the funding shows the TSRA’s strong commitment to supporting and strengthening Ailan Kastom, and developing commercial opportunities for regional visual artists, musicians and community arts.
“The TSRA’s Common Funding Round is our flagship funding program for the cultural and creative industries and helps local artists to realise their full potential,” Mr Stephen said.
“Visual arts projects are set to receive significant funding for commercial product development and skills training in new and contemporary media through this latest round.
“The CAH programme will also support two arts and cultural projects being undertaken with students from across the Tagai Campus and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart to promote cultural activities and raise awareness of the threats to the marine environment.”
Music and recording projects are also included with local acts such as the Black Paradise Band receiving funding to work in the recording studio at TSIMA 4MW with Wil Kepa, the renowned multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer and producer.
The respected singer/songwriter Getano Bann also collaborated with the Black Paradise Band on this project, culminating with a CD launch during Reconciliation Week celebrations last May.
The next TSRA Common Funding Round, which includes the Culture, Art and Heritage Programme will open for applications on the 1st of March 2018.