RADF Recipients Set To Record Debut EP

Local band Tropical State of Mind will take the next step in their artistic journey, recording their debut EP thanks to a Regional Arts Development (RADF) Grant.

Tropical State of Mind (TSOM) is a five-piece alternative pop, soul and funk band from Mackay, whose aim is to break the misconception that only capital city artists can succeed.

They were successful in receiving $11,000 in funding, approved in round two of the RADF grants.

TSOM vocalist Jezzie Morton said the band would use the grant to record their debut five-track EP in Byron Bay, with Queensland producer Tom Kelly.

“This project will establish our professional presence in the music industry and provide invaluable recording experience for our five band members,” Ms Morton said.

“We hope it will also inspire other regional artists to create and release their own music,” she said.

“We will also hold a launch event in Mackay to showcase the EP, featuring local artists to strengthen the regional music scene and encourage collaboration.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a fantastic example of how a RADF grant can launch local artists into the professional sphere.

“RADF has a legacy of creating new art and cultural experiences for audiences and communities, and a platform for professional development and growth across the regional arts sector,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We have so many talented locals and we want to encourage them to grow their practice and to share it with other creatives in our region,” he said.

“I want to congratulate all of the grant recipients in this round, and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of their work.”.

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

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has an impressive track record of supporting local arts and cultural programs across Queensland communities.

Successful recipients for 2025 are:

Mackay Chamber Music Festival Education Collaboration - $6250 - the celebrated Mackay Chamber Music Festival (MCMF) is presenting and expanding its education offerings for local music students through a collaborative performance project. Leading Brisbane-based musicians and educators, "The Boxties", will tutor 40 music students in a series of workshops, culminating in a public performance in the festival.

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Mackay Autumn Intensive Workshop - $7097 - A school holiday ballet workshop presented by the Royal Academy of Dance. This workshop brings highly experienced tutors and pianist to Mackay, to provide an opportunity for local students to learn and grow.

Mirani Swimming Centre and Caravan Park Mural - $11,000 - In the early 90s, a mural was painted on the wall (unknown artist) at the entrance of Mirani Swimming Centre and Caravan Park. This has not been maintained and is currently in poor condition. This project will replace the mural with an updated local mural showcasing Mirani and the Pioneer Valley.

Transformation - Life between the layers Art Exhibition Events - $9181 -Three interconnected exhibitions will bring together interdisciplinary local visual artists to create and showcase new works inspired by the environment. These exhibitions will celebrate biodiversity and sustainability and strengthen cultural connections between people and the natural landscapes of the Mackay region.

Printmaking Skills Development – Printbank Mackay - $6400 – Printbank Mackay will provide its members and the public with a series of printmaking skills development workshops presented by two highly qualified printmakers with an array of different skills.

Cape Hillsborough Masterclass Artists Retreat and ourSCAPE Exhibition 2025 - $8000 - Artists Connect Inc are partnering with Artspace Mackay to deliver a Masterclass Artists Retreat at Cape Hillsborough in September and October 2025. The Grand Tour Exhibition Artists, Tim Allen and Michelle Hungerfield, will be engaged for this four-day retreat. ourScape Art Auction will be held at Gallery31 in October.

Stepping Into Me, Natalia Valmadre - $9950 - Extending on the work begun with a RADF grant in 2021, Stepping Into Me will enable Mrs Valmadre to work under the mentorship of Catherine Clark Dowden and build her portfolio as an artist.

Photobook Development at Kyoto Paperoles Residency - $3000 - A three-week residency at Kyoto Paperoles, Japan, to produce a photobook exploring grief and the mother-daughter relationship. The residency includes three mentorship sessions with esteemed editor Yumi Goto, with the final artworks and book to be exhibited at Artspace Mackay in 2026.

Summertime, Leah McLean - $3000 - Summertime concept development will be a follow-on from Ms McLean’s Big Calm exhibition in 2022. A deeper dive into studying and manipulating light underwater, while capturing portraits of community members and their stories. Ms McLean plans to study the feeling of 'summer' and the nostalgia it can convey through 'kodak' moments.

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Mackay fan favourites, Tropical State of Mind, will use their Regional Arts Development Fund grant to record their debut EP. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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