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Arts Queensland announces Cultural Tourism Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 23-Feb-2026

The Arts Queensland Cultural Tourism Fund supports Queensland-based arts festivals and events to expand, innovate, and attract new audiences, boosting regional tourism. Funding is available for new programming, reaching new markets, and improving accessibility for artists and audiences with disabilities. Grants range from $10,000 to $160,000, helping organisations deliver high-impact, inclusive cultural experiences.

Program Overview

The Arts Queensland Cultural Tourism Fund is designed to strengthen arts festivals and events in Queensland by supporting initiatives that:

  • Expand audience reach locally, interstate, or internationally

  • Introduce innovative programming or elevate existing events

  • Improve accessibility and inclusivity for artists and audiences with disabilities

  • Increase tourism and cultural engagement in regional communities

The fund prioritises festivals or events combining one or more art forms, including:

  • Visual arts

  • Performing arts

  • Music

  • Writing

  • Multi-arts

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be based in Queensland

  • Have an active ABN

  • Be a registered organisation (not individuals)

  • Demonstrate a proven track record in delivering arts events or festivals

  • Submit required documentation including past attendance, economic impact records, festival budgets, and marketing plans or artist CVs where relevant

Funding Streams

1. New Programming

  • Grant Amount: Up to $160,000 over 2 years (maximum $80,000 per year)

  • Supports: Launching innovative programs, enhancing existing events, or investing in marketing strategies to attract new audiences

2. New Markets

  • Grant Amount: Up to $40,000 over 2 years

  • Supports: Expanding reach into new audience markets or geographic regions

3. Accessibility Initiatives

  • Additional Funding: Up to $10,000

  • Supports: Measures to improve accessibility for artists or audiences with disabilities, ensuring inclusive participation

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Develop Proposal: Outline the project, objectives, expected outcomes, and target audience

  2. Prepare Documentation: Include past attendance records, budgets, marketing plans, and artist CVs if applicable

  3. Submit Application: Ensure eligibility criteria are met, and all required supporting documents are included

  4. Assessment: Applications are evaluated based on impact, innovation, audience reach, inclusivity, and contribution to Queensland’s cultural tourism

  5. Funding Decision: Successful applicants receive grants and may be required to report on outcomes and impact

Key Considerations

  • Focus on audience growth, innovation, and cultural impact

  • Ensure measurable outcomes such as attendance, economic contribution, and tourism impact

  • Projects that demonstrate accessibility and inclusion are highly encouraged

  • Consider sustainability and long-term benefits to the arts and tourism sector

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting incomplete applications or missing required documentation

  • Focusing solely on operational costs rather than program expansion or innovation

  • Not demonstrating a proven track record in delivering arts events

  • Overlooking accessibility or inclusivity in project design

  • Failing to clearly show potential impact on audiences or tourism

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Cultural Tourism Fund?
Queensland-based arts organisations or festivals with an active ABN and a proven track record in delivering arts events.

2. What types of projects are funded?
New programming, expansion into new markets, and initiatives improving accessibility for artists and audiences with disabilities.

3. How much funding is available?

  • New Programming: Up to $160,000 over 2 years

  • New Markets: Up to $40,000 over 2 years

  • Accessibility: Up to $10,000

4. Are individuals eligible to apply?
No, only registered organisations or groups are eligible.

5. What supporting documents are required?
Past attendance and economic impact records, festival budgets, marketing plans, and artist CVs (if applicable).

6. How is success measured?
Through audience growth, cultural impact, economic contribution, accessibility improvements, and regional tourism benefits.

7. Can the funding be used for operational costs?
No, the fund focuses on program expansion, innovation, and audience engagement rather than routine operational costs.

Why This Fund Matters

The Cultural Tourism Fund enables Queensland arts festivals and events to grow, innovate, and reach broader audiences, directly contributing to regional tourism, cultural vitality, and inclusive arts participation. It fosters opportunities for creative programming that enriches communities and strengthens the state’s reputation as a cultural destination.

Conclusion

The Arts Queensland Cultural Tourism Fund provides a structured, well-resourced pathway for festivals and arts events to expand, innovate, and attract new audiences. With targeted funding for programming, market expansion, and accessibility, the programme strengthens Queensland’s cultural sector, enhances tourism, and ensures inclusive and high-impact experiences for artists and communities alike.

For more information, visit Queensland Government.