Local festivals funded by Federal Government

The Festivals Australia program, administered by Australian Government, is injecting $1.4 million into festivals across Australia, including the Mackay region, support a diverse array of artistic endeavours.

One recipient of this funding is the Mackay Film Festival for Youth, which will host the Pioneer Valley Acting and Screen Production Weekend Community Workshop.

This workshop aims to enhance digital storytelling skills, covering scriptwriting, acting, producing, directing, editing, and post-production.

The resulting productions will be showcased at the Pinnacle Playhouse Red Carpet Community Screening Event during the Mackay Film Festival for Youth.

Another initiative supported by the program is the Sunset Cultural Experience organised by the Issac Regional Council.

This event will kick off the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event, offering a platform to showcase First Nations culture through music, dance, storytelling, and gourmet interpretations of traditional bush tucker.

One of the primary objectives of the Festival Australia program is to nurture local talent and strengthen community bonds through artistic expression.

By facilitating access to art and culture in areas that might otherwise have limited opportunities, the program strives to create a more inclusive cultural environment and showcase local talent.

Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said, “Festivals – at their best – are about building community, sharing stories, and creating memories. They put artists on a bigger stage, with a brighter spotlight.”

“This program helps support that right across Australia, making sure these opportunities aren’t just for people in capital cities,” said Mr Burke