MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.- The Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the latest round of successful Queensland grants under the Regional Arts Fund.  

’Seven projects will receive more than $115,300 in funding to ensure greater access to the arts cultural skills development for a diverse range of groups and communities in regional Queensland,’ Senator Kemp said.  

’The projects will benefit individuals and entire arts communities by developing stronger local development and mentoring opportunities for regional artists.’  

Some of the initiatives supported in this round of funding are: Celebrate our contributions and connections to community-this project will involve 30-40 young people from the Charters Towers and Dalrymple region working with professional artists to create Permanent Public Art Installations to be placed in their ’Communities of Origin’ during National Youth Week 2004.  

Cultural communications in North West QLD-for the production and distribution of free publications and emails promoting regional arts activities and artists.  

TLC Outback Tour-this project involves a workshop tour of one-act plays and workshops in theatre skills and stage combat.  

The Queensland Arts Council manages the fund in Queensland on behalf of the Australian Government. Assistance is available across all artforms for projects that promote excellence in regional arts development.