Grant opens the book for author’s career

For local Sunshine Coast writer, Taryn Bashford a minor grant from Sunshine Coast Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund was just the boost needed for her career to take flight.

Ms Bashford said she was thankful to Council for providing grants to emerging artists including unpublished authors like herself.

“It’s hard to gain any financial support when you’re an unproven, unpublished writer, however, I was fortunate to learn about the minor round for RADF and it really is easier to apply for than you’d think,” Ms Bashford said.

“I thought it would take hours and be too difficult, but Council not only made the process easy, they also assigned me with a grants officer who provided invaluable support and advice.

“I received $1,700 to attend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Conference in Sydney in July 2014.

“I now have a literary agent who is managing submissions to several publishers – all of whom requested my manuscript at SCBWI.

“I encourage other professional and emerging artists and arts practitioners living on the Sunshine Coast to look up grants available from Council to see if it could assist your own career.”

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said she was proud Council could help support the careers of local artists through skills development.

“The RADF minor round – up to $2,000 for category 1 is open for applications until 5pm on Monday, December 1,” Cr McKay said.

“This funding is for individual professional artists like Taryn to access professional development opportunities. You can apply for up to 65% of your travel, accommodation and registration costs.

“We have such a wealth of talented arts practitioners living here, many of whom are struggling to pursue their passion. These little financial contributions can go such a long way.”

Minister for the Arts, Ian Walker said the Regional Arts Development Fund was a partnership between the Queensland Government and Queensland local councils.

“We believe funding councils and working closely with them to support grass-roots arts is an essential part of delivering the arts to all Queenslanders,” he said.

“We want to get the best result from every dollar spent, so we’re taking a special look at projects that may increase returns on this cultural investment.

“A vibrant arts community, from the biggest city to the smallest town, can attract money and tourists so both business and the arts can be winners from these grants,” he said.

Also open now is the minor round for Council’s Community Grants Program, providing support of up to $2,000 to community groups for projects. But don’t delay as applications close 5pm on Monday, November 3.

For more information including eligibility criteria for either of these grant programs visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/grants or contact a grants officer for assistance – call 5475 7272 or email [email protected] .