More than 200 independent Queensland artists and arts workers impacted by COVID-19 restrictions will share more than $700,000 in financial relief through Arts Queensland's stART grants.

The stART program is funding 213 recipients from across Queensland for the development of arts and creative projects, producer services, technical support, and equipment purchase.

In response to demand, stART funding was increased from $500,000 to more than $700,000, distributed through $3000 grants to independent artists, arts workers, and workers in closely arts-adjacent industries who lost work and income due to the pandemic.

Central Queensland stART grant recipients

Miiesha, Pitjantjatjara/Torres Strait Islander singer-songwriter, Woorabinda

Katina Olsen, Rockhampton-based Wakka Wakka Kombumerri dancer/choreographer

Keemon Williams, Koa, Kuku Yalangi & Meriam Mir multidisciplinary artist based in Baralaba

Felicia Lloyd, Gladstone visual artist

Joel Bow, event producer behind the Mackay Cabaret Festival

Luke Graham, filmmaker at Scope Red, Gladstone

Travis Hock, Capricorn Coast actor and theatremaker with Lock&Hock Productions

Adrienne Williams, Bundaberg visual artist

Tristan Levi Kane, Mackay

Rhys Williams, Bundaberg

Davitt Ennis, Clermont, documentary filmmaker

Paul Perry, Bargara visual artist working as MilBi Magic Mosaics

Berni Jakstas, Yeppoon visual artist

Emily Newman, musical theatre, Gladstone

Tobias de Maine, Gladstone multidisciplinary artist.