By Lilliana McKinlay, Grade 12 student at Lourdes Hill College.
Since stepping into the role of CEO of the Flying Arts Alliance earlier this year, Toni Palmer and her hardworking team played a crucial role in connecting and fostering creativity across Queensland.
The not-for-profit organization does this through offering support and practical opportunities for both established and emerging artists in regional Queensland.
Drawn to the organization by its “opportunity to engage with regional Queensland” regarding its art programs and opportunities, Ms Palmer expressed her passion and excitement regarding her new role and implementation of new initiatives.
One exciting project is the new education product, ‘For Schools’.
This innovative program ensures Queensland students are provided with the opportunities to engage in the arts through artist-led, interactive workshops and resources, delivering creative and exciting arts education to Queensland students.
Not only is the organization sculpting an impact on Queensland’s schooling environment, but it focuses on professional artist development through Queensland, assisting them in stepping up into a creative career.
Simultaneously, it acknowledges and addresses the “growing need” for communities – especially in regional Queensland – to come together and engage in the arts.
This is achieved through their travelling exhibitions and workshops throughout regional Queensland, as well as the Queensland Regional Art Awards, recognising and celebrating the talented artists across our state.
Ms Palmer said an important part of their approach is consultation to cater to different needs in different communities.
“Critical in all of this is actually asking communities what they need… we don’t want to just tell regional Queensland what we’re going to throw at them.”
In a time where the Flying Arts Alliance and their hard work has “never been more relevant,” Ms Palmer encourages all Queenslanders to get engaged and involved in the creative programs and opportunities in their local communities.
Flying Arts Alliance will hold an exhibition of finalists from the Queensland Regional Art Awards at their headquarters in Brunswick Street with a launch event on November 20; visit their website for details.
“We’d love to invite the people of Brisbane to come and experience regional artists,” Ms Palmer said.
