The quiet removal of a program that toured arts to schools in regional Queensland and its replacement with a model that places the onus on schools to organise has Queensland's Isolated Children's Parents' Association contorted with anger.
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President Louise Martin said it was extremely disappointing that rural and remote communities weren't consulted before a new model of delivering arts programs to them was implemented.
The schools touring program had run for over 50 years, delivered by Artslink QLD and Queensland Arts Council, and then QMF, before it ceased in December last year.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the program now sat under the Playing Queensland Fund and was benefiting 39,000 children in regional and remote communities compared to 28,000 students who accessed it under its former model.
"To make the program even more accessible for children across Queensland, the Palaszczuk government has recently implemented a dedicated arts and education stream within the PQF, which incentivises support for the delivery of school activities in regional Queensland," she said.
However, Ms Martin said the devil was in the detail.
"Previously the provider, such as Artslink, put a show together and delivered it to schools but with this model, artists apply to PQF to pitch a tour, which schools then have an onus to apply for.
"How can you expect schools out west to do this when they're flat out as it is delivering the curriculum - this is asking an impossibility."
As far as the numbers quoted by Arts Minister Enoch, Ms Martin said it had to be remembered that under government models, regional Queensland started at the edge of the Brisbane City Council boundary.
"We're not talking rural and remote," she said.
Opposition arts spokesman Christian Rowan said a future LNP government would work with relevant organisations on how best to bring the arts to the regions.
"The arts are incredibly important to Queensland and for young people growing up. They enrich people's lives and bring our communities together," he said.
"We want to encourage the arts and culture in our regions - not just Brisbane - supporting the industry and securing more jobs, while promoting cultural tourism."
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Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
