BEMAC loses funding!

The news that BEMAC and various other cultural organisations in Queensland have lost operational funding has been a big shock to many in the cultural sector here. Please read and act on the following announcement:

FOR YOUR URGENT ATTENTION !

BEMAC FUNDING CUT BY ARTS QUEENSLAND

The Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre has had its operational funding application cut by the Arts Queensland.

“We are shocked to hear that the only multicultural arts servicing organisation in South East Queensland has been denied operational funding by Arts Queensland. BEMAC has been linking refugee and migrant communities with opportunities for professional development of artists, employment in all major festivals and events and engaging with grass roots artists to encourage cross cultural and cultural exchange thereby contributing to the Queensland cultural landscape for over twenty years” Director Bronte Morris said today.

The BEMAC Chairman Rossven Naidoo has invited all BEMAC members, supporters, audiences, stakeholders and friends to send a message to the Minister for the Arts, Hon Rod Welford to voice their concern at the funding cuts to BEMAC and the 20 other community arts organisations. He feels that the loss of grass roots community arts organisations such as BEMAC will dramatically change the Queensland cultural landscape through the lack of representation in the arts of diverse groups.

For twenty years BEMAC has been providing employment for thousands of multicultural and multicultural inspired artists.

This year the organisation has been successful in securing over $300,000 in project grants from the Australia Council and local government. The funding cut now puts in jeopardy the ability of the organisation to deliver these projects. It would seem there is confidence in the organisation on a Federal and local level, but none on a State level. Without these funds we are unable to employ staff, and pay our operational costs and therefore serious and responsible consideration must be given to closing the organisation and our duty under the Incorporations Act to avoid insolvency.

Other organisations who have been denied further funding are the Arts Law Centre, Queensland Community Arts Network, Kooemba Djarra Aboriginal Theatre, Vulcana Women’s Circus and Hands On Art Children’s Art Centre, to name a few.

Letters can be sent to:

The Premier of Queensland, Mrs Anna Bligh
ThePremier@premiers.qld.gov.au
General Office
Phone: 07 3224 4500,
Facsimile: 07 3221 3631
PO Box 15185
City East Queensland 4002


cc to:

Leigh Tabrett
Deputy Director-General
Arts Queensland
GPO Box 1436
Brisbane Q 4001
leigh.tabrett@arts.qld.gov.au

Chris Bowen
Director, Music & Dance
Arts Queensland
GPO Box 1436
Brisbane
Q 4001
chris.bowen@arts.qld.gov.au


Rod Welford
Minister for Education, Training and the Arts
Parliament House
Cnr of George and Alice Streets
Brisbane, QLD, 4000
Ph: 07 3237 1000
educationandarts@ministerial.qld.gov.au


BRONTE MORRIS
Director

Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre
Yungaba 120 Main St Kangaroo Point Qld 4169
PO Box 7299 East Brisbane Qld 4169
Tel: 07 3391 4433 Fax:07 3391 2802
Email: mailto:director@bemac.org.au

Website: www.bemac.org.au