DECEMBER 9, 2015: APPLICATIONS for funding under the new national arts fund called Catalyst are now open, and I encourage organisations in the region to consider what is on offer.The Catalyst – Australian Arts and Culture Fund is open to small, medium and large arts organisations at national, regional and community level. It will support projects that demonstrate innovation and increase access and participation in Australian cultural life, or that enhance our international reputation. There is a special emphasis on supporting projects in the regions.Art organisations in Townsville with good ideas should come forward as this is an opportunity for a range of organisations that might not previously have had the chance to access government funding to have a go.”Funding can support activities such as performances, exhibitions, tours, development and creation of new work and infrastructure and capacity-building projects.Applications can be made at any time and are assessed quarterly, with the first round of successful applicants announced in early 2016.The Australian Government is investing $12 million annually in Catalyst and funding will be available from three streams: partnerships and collaborations; innovation and participation; and international and cultural diplomacy.Guidelines on how to apply for Catalyst and FAQs are available on the Ministry of Arts website at www.arts.gov.au/catalyst or by calling 1800 590 577.