Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The Gold Coast Small Grant Program provides funding up to $5,000 to support arts and culture projects that encourage creativity, experimentation, and community engagement. The program targets emerging artists, diverse communities, and initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for the Gold Coast’s arts sector.
Overview of the Program
The Small Grant Program aims to strengthen the local creative sector by supporting one-off arts and cultural projects that:
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Encourage creative risk-taking and experimentation
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Provide entry-level support for emerging artists
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Develop ways to engage new participants in arts and culture
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Enable artists and creative industries to explore new platforms
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Create opportunities for diverse communities to promote culture and connect with the wider Gold Coast community
Funding Details
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Maximum funding: $5,000 per project
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Eligible costs: Equipment hire, consumables directly related to project delivery, and payment for artists and arts workers at industry-standard rates
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Projects must deliver clearly defined arts and cultural outcomes and demonstrate significant community benefits
Who is Eligible
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Applicants must be 18 years or older, Australian citizens or permanent residents
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Must have a registered ABN and hold public liability insurance
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Must be practicing arts professionals or engage practicing artists/arts professionals
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Priority given to applicants representing diverse communities, including:
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First Nations peoples
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People with disability
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Older people (55+)
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Young people (18–24)
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LGBTQIA+ communities
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Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
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Non-Gold Coast residents must demonstrate clear community benefits for the Gold Coast
Project Requirements
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Must be one-off initiatives; cannot have started or finished prior to application
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Must not have previously received City of Gold Coast funding for the same project
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Cannot fund: reimbursement, capital purchases, business start-ups, fundraising, competitions, or formal education programs
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Must demonstrate:
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Ability to deliver the proposed activities
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Quality and need of the artistic program
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Expected reach and impact
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Overall benefit to the applicant, arts sector, or community
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How to Apply
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Prepare a complete application including:
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Balanced project budget
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Minimum three letters of support
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Ensure project aligns with arts and cultural outcomes and funding guidelines
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Submit application online before 16 March 2026, or until funding is fully allocated
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Applications are assessed in batches by a peer assessment process via the Arts Development Fund Committee
Why This Program Matters
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Supports emerging and diverse artists to take creative risks
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Fosters community engagement and participation in arts and culture
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Strengthens the local arts ecosystem and professional pathways
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Encourages innovative approaches to arts practice and cultural expression
FAQs
1. What is the maximum grant amount? $5,000 per project.
2. Who can apply? Artists aged 18+ with an ABN, public liability insurance, and practicing arts experience.
3. Can non-Gold Coast residents apply? Yes, if the project delivers significant benefits to the Gold Coast community.
4. What expenses are eligible? Equipment hire, consumables, and artist/arts worker fees.
5. Are ongoing programs or previously funded projects eligible? No, projects must be new, one-off initiatives.
6. How are applications assessed? By a peer review committee based on quality, need, reach, and community benefit.
7. When is the application deadline? 16 March 2026, or until funding is fully allocated.
Conclusion
The Small Grant Program 2026 provides accessible funding for innovative arts and cultural projects, empowering emerging and diverse artists while enriching the Gold Coast community. By supporting experimentation and engagement, the program helps grow the local creative sector and delivers meaningful cultural outcomes.
For more information, visit City of Gold Coast.
