SOMERSET residents can enjoy a series of free professional arts workshops including event planning, social media engagement and grant writing in 2023.

Somerset Regional Council, in collaboration with Flying Arts Alliance Inc and the Regional Arts Development Fund are fully funding the program and associated workshops.

Somerset Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke said the workshops were open to all artists, creatives, those who work in the arts industry or community groups looking for professional development opportunities.

“The workshops are being held in response to community feedback and a desire for more support and development opportunities being made available to Somerset artists and cultural industries,” Cr Gaedtke said.

“In a recent arts and culture survey completed by Council, 73.44% of respondents said they would like to have more access to workshops and masterclasses in their community.

“A further 68.8% said community and social connectedness through the arts is an important way to support the community.” 

The first of the workshops will be held on Saturday, 4 February 2023 at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk with Arts Production Consultancy specialist, Nigel Lavender.

Mr Lavender will teach participants the finer details of event planning. Aimed at community groups and individuals with big ideas, the workshop will focus on how to plan, set up and successfully manage an arts project or festival.

Further workshops will focus on Engaging with Social Media and be held on Saturday on 10 June and a Grant Writing workshop on Saturday, 4 November.

Bookings for all three free workshops is essential and can be made online via www.somersettickets.com.au or by phoning the Somerset Civic Centre on 5424 2713.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.