About the Network

RASN is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. This new approach to the delivery of state-wide arts services is network of regional arts service providers who, supported by the State Coordination Office, will work together to deliver on-the-ground arts services in their communities across the state. The network will drive regional development across regions and work with the local arts sector, the community and key stakeholders to determine specific arts and cultural priorities for each region.

Funded by Arts Queensland, Empire Theatres Projects have the 3 year contract for the South West region which includes 8 regional Council areas.

-          Scenic Rim Regional Council

-          Lockyer Valley Regional Council

-          Toowoomba regional Council

-          Southern Downs Regional Council

-          Western Downs Regional Council

-          Goondiwindi Regional Council

-          Maranoa Regional Council

-          Balonne Shire Council

The program has a full time Regional Arts officer – Michelle Blair, formally of the Maranoa Regional Council. Michelle started in November and she has an office at the Theatre as a home base. RASN operations are separate to the Empire Theatres operations however the network will build from the Empire Theatres knowledge and experience in regional service delivery.

RASN will be working with communities to identify gaps and opportunities to drive growth of arts in the South West region

The initial focus has been on cultural mapping of the region, making connections and through consultation, finding those gaps and opportunities where RASN can help.

RASN is inclusive of all disciplines, performing, visual, fine arts and crafts, heritage, museums, libraries, writing and Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander arts. It encourages cross discipline and cross sector work. Projects and Programs assisted by RASN will meet the following Key Deliverables.

Key Deliverables

• empowering the regions in determining arts and cultural priorities and where government investment is best directed

• facilitating and delivering community arts and cultural development programs that enhance local and visitor engagement with Queensland’s arts and cultural offering

• build sector capacity and foster a strong community of arts, including partnerships with community, industry, government and the private sector

• increasing Queensland’s application and success rates in securing arts funding across all levels of government and the private sector

• facilitating new employment and training opportunities in regional and remote Queensland

• increasing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities and supporting communities that are disadvantaged in terms of access to arts.

For more information about RASN or any of the above, please contact: Michelle Blair, Regional Arts Officer – South West Qld