Deadline: 20-Jul-2026

The Queensland Major Commissioning Fund provides matched funding of up to AUD 250,000 to support large-scale creative works developed and presented by Queensland artists, cultural producers, and arts organisations. The program focuses on ambitious Queensland-made productions that attract large audiences, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the state’s cultural identity ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Additional accessibility funding of up to AUD 10,000 per year is available to improve participation and access for artists and audiences with disability.

What Is the Queensland Major Commissioning Fund?

The Queensland Major Commissioning Fund is a government-backed arts funding initiative designed to support the creation and presentation of major creative works in Queensland, Australia.

The fund aims to help Queensland artists and cultural organisations deliver ambitious, large-scale productions capable of attracting significant audiences and creating long-term cultural impact.

The initiative is strongly connected to Queensland’s broader cultural development strategy leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Key Objectives of the Fund

The program supports projects that:

• Present new large-scale Queensland-made creative works
• Attract new and diverse audiences
• Build Queensland’s reputation as a global creative hub
• Create landmark arts and cultural events
• Generate employment for artists and creative professionals
• Strengthen long-term creative industry capacity
• Encourage innovation and ambitious artistic programming
• Improve accessibility and inclusion in the arts sector

Funding Details

Maximum Funding Available

Eligible applicants can receive:

• Up to AUD 250,000 in matched funding
• Project duration support for up to two years
• Additional accessibility funding of up to AUD 10,000 per year

Accessibility Support Funding

Extra funding is available to improve access for:

• Artists with disability
• Audiences with disability
• Inclusive participation initiatives
• Accessibility infrastructure and services

Examples may include:

• Auslan interpretation
• Audio descriptions
• Accessible venue modifications
• Captioning services
• Accessible digital experiences

Focus Areas of the Program

1. Large-Scale Queensland-Made Creative Works

The fund prioritizes ambitious productions developed within Queensland by local creatives and organisations.

Examples include:

• Major theatre productions
• Large-scale visual arts projects
• Public art installations
• Cultural festivals
• Multi-disciplinary performances
• Touring productions
• Immersive and digital arts experiences

2. Audience Growth and Cultural Engagement

Projects should demonstrate the ability to:

• Reach broad audiences
• Increase cultural participation
• Engage new communities
• Strengthen Queensland’s cultural profile nationally and internationally

3. Brisbane 2032 Cultural Legacy

A major strategic focus is preparing Queensland’s cultural sector for Brisbane 2032.

The program supports projects that can:

• Showcase Queensland talent globally
• Build sustainable creative infrastructure
• Create internationally competitive productions
• Enhance cultural tourism opportunities

4. Employment and Capacity Building

Projects are expected to generate meaningful opportunities for:

• Artists
• Producers
• Technicians
• Creative workers
• Emerging arts professionals

The fund also encourages professional development and long-term industry growth.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants generally include:

Arts and Cultural Organisations

Organisations with experience in:

• Producing large-scale creative works
• Managing complex cultural projects
• Delivering public-facing arts programs

Cultural Producers

Independent producers and creative leaders with a proven track record in:

• Commissioning major works
• Developing artistic collaborations
• Presenting large audience events

Creative Consortia and Partnerships

Collaborative projects involving:

• Multiple organisations
• Cross-sector partnerships
• Regional and metropolitan collaborations

What Types of Projects Are Suitable?

Strong applications typically involve projects that are:

• Large in scale
• Artistically ambitious
• Publicly accessible
• Queensland-led
• Audience-focused
• Financially sustainable
• Strategically aligned with Brisbane 2032 goals

Examples of Suitable Projects

• A major contemporary dance production touring internationally
• A state-wide cultural festival
• A large immersive digital arts installation
• A public performance series attracting tourism audiences
• A major Indigenous arts collaboration
• A multimedia storytelling project with large public engagement

Why This Fund Matters

The Queensland Major Commissioning Fund is important because it helps strengthen the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s creative industries.

Economic Impact

Large-scale cultural projects can:

• Generate tourism revenue
• Create jobs
• Support local businesses
• Stimulate regional economies

Cultural Development

The fund helps Queensland:

• Develop world-class creative talent
• Increase international cultural recognition
• Expand audience participation
• Build a lasting cultural legacy before Brisbane 2032

Industry Growth

Funding enables organisations to:

• Take creative risks
• Develop larger productions
• Invest in innovation
• Build long-term partnerships

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should confirm they:

• Operate within the arts and cultural sector
• Have experience delivering significant creative projects
• Can demonstrate project management capability
• Meet matched funding requirements

Step 2: Develop a Strong Project Proposal

Applications should clearly explain:

• Project concept
• Artistic vision
• Audience strategy
• Budget and funding plan
• Community impact
• Accessibility measures
• Employment outcomes

Step 3: Demonstrate Matched Funding

Because the program provides matched funding, applicants should identify:

• Confirmed financial contributions
• Sponsorship support
• Partnership funding
• Other revenue sources

Step 4: Include Accessibility Planning

Projects seeking accessibility funding should outline:

• Inclusion strategies
• Accessibility services
• Disability engagement plans
• Audience access improvements

Step 5: Submit Application Before Deadline

Applicants should carefully follow all submission instructions and provide all required supporting materials.

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly Define Audience Impact

Explain:

• Who the project will reach
• Expected attendance numbers
• Community engagement outcomes
• Tourism or economic benefits

Show Organisational Capacity

Demonstrate previous success with:

• Large productions
• Budget management
• Public programming
• Partnership delivery

Align With Brisbane 2032 Goals

Projects linked to cultural legacy, tourism, innovation, or international visibility may be more competitive.

Prioritize Accessibility

Strong accessibility planning can strengthen an application significantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak Budget Planning

Incomplete or unrealistic budgets may reduce application strength.

Lack of Audience Strategy

Projects without clear audience development plans may struggle to compete.

Insufficient Evidence of Experience

Applicants should provide examples of past successful projects.

Poor Accessibility Planning

Accessibility should be integrated early rather than treated as an afterthought.

Unclear Project Outcomes

Applications should define measurable artistic, cultural, and economic outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum funding available?

Applicants can receive up to AUD 250,000 in matched funding, plus additional accessibility funding of up to AUD 10,000 per year.

What does matched funding mean?

Matched funding means applicants must secure financial contributions from other sources equal to or supporting the requested funding amount.

How long can funded projects run?

Projects can receive support for up to two years.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Queensland arts organisations, cultural producers, and creative partnerships with proven experience delivering large-scale creative projects.

Are accessibility costs covered?

Yes. Additional funding is available for disability access initiatives for artists and audiences.

What kinds of creative works are supported?

The fund supports large-scale creative works such as festivals, theatre productions, public art, immersive experiences, digital arts projects, and multidisciplinary performances.

Why is Brisbane 2032 important to this program?

The fund is part of Queensland’s broader strategy to strengthen cultural infrastructure, creative industries, and international visibility ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Conclusion

The Queensland Major Commissioning Fund represents a major opportunity for Queensland artists, producers, and cultural organisations to create ambitious, audience-focused creative works with lasting impact.

By supporting large-scale productions, accessibility initiatives, and cultural innovation, the fund aims to position Queensland as a leading global creative destination in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.

Organisations with strong artistic vision, proven delivery capability, and clear audience engagement strategies are well-positioned to benefit from this significant funding opportunity.

For more information, visit Queensland Government.