Just a month after announcing she is running for the Greens in the seat of Central at next year's Brisbane City Council election, Trina Massey is already looking to make some big changes.
Massey (aka DJ Black Amex) and Gabba Ward Councillor Jono Sri (of ska band The Mouldy Lovers) have joined forces, with the two Greens today announcing a multi-million dollar policy commitment and the call for a doubling of Brisbane City Council’s annual funding for festivals, events and cultural organisations.
The Council currently allocates $4.2 million per year in funding to its festivals and events program, which includes significant events like Brisbane Festival and Queensland Music Festival, and the Greens are pushing for it to be increased to $8.2 million.
“The arts are an essential part of a healthy society," Massey said.
"Without music, theatre, film-making, storytelling, poetry, circus, dance and visual art, life just isn’t quite the same.
“There’s so much great stuff going on in Brisbane, but council doesn’t put in enough financial support, which often means event organisers and performers are overworked and underpaid.”
Sri added, “Every year, council spends hundreds of millions of dollars on unnecessary road-widening projects.
"For roughly a 1% decrease in the roads budget, we could increase funding for festivals and arts organisations by 100%.”
As well as her work with AAM and QMusic, Massey also previously worked as the label head for Brisbane's Smack Face Records, which currently boasts a roster with names like San Mei, The Growlers and LA Witch.
The Brisbane City Council election will go ahead in early 2020.
