Brisbane launches Bridge scheme to provide project support for musicians, producers

In a response to the Brisbane City Council’s recent Creative Sector Survey, Council and Brisbane Powerhouse have announced The Bridge.

It’s a new $300,000 four-year artist support program that will provide local performers and producers with targeted project support in order to grow the presenting capacity of Brisbane’s performing arts sector.

The Bridge will give Brisbane creatives the necessary time and support to present shows of a professional standard.

Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director Kris Stewart said that “Empowering local artists to create works of significance is central to everything we do at Brisbane Powerhouse.

“Our proudest recent results have been around increasing the numbers of Brisbane artists represented here from 743 in 2015 to 1,379 in 2017.”

Stewart called on greater investment in the creative community in Queensland.

The Queensland Chamber of Arts and Culture recently noted that Queensland’s funding of arts and culture per capita in 2015-16 was lower than all other States and Territories, and 23% below the national average.

“We just feel this is one small part, and we look forward to seeing the great results investments such as this and others will bring in the future.”

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Graham Quirk called the new program an exciting opportunity for Brisbane–based creatives.

“ Brisbane is a vibrant, cultural city and Council offers a wide range of programs and initiatives to support locals looking to make their mark in the creative sector,” he said.

“This new initiative will provide opportunities for artists to continue their practice and development as creatives in Brisbane rather than relocating interstate or abroad

“I encourage all creative producers to leverage new opportunities provided by the exciting opportunities presented by The Bridge program.”

The Bridge is aimed at festival artists, digital and tech-based artists, independent music theatre producers and those in a circus.

From January 2018, applicants can approach Brisbane Powerhouse with expressions of interest, with a rolling acceptance of possible projects and no formal deadline.

A total of $300,000 will be granted across four years, with up to $50,000 of cash support and $25,000 of in-kind support (through discounts and waived charges) provided across a single calendar year.

Each year will focus on an art form aligned to the Brisbane Powerhouse programming vision of being the home for living arts, ideas and experience.

For more information, visit brisbanepowerhouse.org.