SUNSHINE Coast dance theatre company LJ Projects has secured an $8,250 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to refine and expand its acclaimed immersive work Labyrinth.
Created by choreographer Chloe Keating in collaboration with Melissa Lanham, Labyrinth captivated audiences when it debuted at the 2023 Horizon Festival, performed in three bookshops over the 10-day multi-arts event.
With the new funding, LJ Projects will enhance Labyrinth by incorporating a musical score and developing a marketing strategy ahead of its 2025 Adelaide Fringe Festival run. The work is also being performed at local stages including Rosetta Books and Maleny Hall.
Ms Keating revealed that international interest is growing, with producers in the UK expressing enthusiasm for a potential 2026 presentation at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
“Receiving RADF funding allows us to refine and elevate Labyrinth, ensuring its longevity and impact,” Ms Keating said. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead, both locally and internationally.”
The October 2024 round of RADF funding saw nine projects receive a combined total of $72,333 from 20 applications. Ms Keating encouraged other artists to apply for future grants, noting that while the application process can be challenging, articulating a creative vision on paper is a valuable exercise.
“My advice is to have others review your application and to explain your idea in different ways until you achieve clarity,” she said.
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the RADF Grants Program promoted the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions.
“The RADF program provides funding for the Sunshine Coast creative community to develop and deliver quality contemporary arts projects, develop skills and capacity, and grow audiences and engagement, contributing to our region’s cultural vitality,” Cr Law said. “I look forward to watching the journey of the successfully funded works, knowing that our Sunshine Coast RADF Grants Program helped make them happen.”
The next round of RADF funding opened on February 3 and closes on March 31. Artists can attend an online information session on February 19 or book a free 30-minute one-on-one consultation with a RADF Officer on March 5. For more details, visit the Sunshine Coast Council website and search for “Arts Funding.