CFAs: Regional Arts Development Fund in Australia

Deadline: 06-May-2026

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports arts, culture, and heritage projects across Queensland to strengthen diverse and inclusive communities. Grants of up to $13,000 (covering 65% of project costs) are available to artists, creatives, and organizations in the Mackay region for initiatives that promote cultural innovation, community engagement, and local identity.

About RADF

The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government (Arts Queensland) and eligible local councils. The fund aims to:

• Support arts and cultural activities with public value

• Build local cultural capacity

• Encourage community development and cultural innovation

• Contribute to Queensland Government community objectives

Local Priorities 2025/2026

Projects should focus on:

• Locally driven content and cultural tourism products for events

• Lifelong learning opportunities that support career growth in the arts

• Inclusive arts activities that promote community wellbeing and accessibility for marginalized or minority groups

• Strengthening cultural tourism by showcasing diversity and creative enterprise

• Placemaking initiatives that transform local spaces while highlighting local identity, biodiversity, and environmental connections

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Individual emerging or established artists, producers, and creative practitioners

• Organizations, businesses, groups, or collectives

• Registered not-for-profit organizations

Requirements:

• Must reside in the Mackay Regional Council area or demonstrate project benefits to the region

• Must be a permanent resident or Australian citizen

• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be auspiced by an entity/individual with an ABN

• Maintain valid public liability insurance of $20 million

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant: $13,000

• Funding Contribution: RADF covers up to 65% of total project costs; applicants provide remaining 35% (including in-kind contributions)

• Applications Limit: Up to two successful applications per calendar year per applicant, subject to proper acquittal of previous grants

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure residency, citizenship, ABN, and insurance requirements are met

2. Develop Proposal: Align project with RADF priorities and demonstrate cultural and community impact

3. Prepare Budget: Include all costs, RADF contribution, and applicant contribution (cash or in-kind)

4. Submit Application: Follow local council submission process for the current funding round

5. Evaluation: Applications are assessed by the RADF Community Committee for relevance, impact, feasibility, and alignment with priorities

Why It Matters

RADF strengthens Queensland’s arts and cultural sector by:

• Encouraging innovative and inclusive projects

• Building local cultural capacity and community engagement

• Supporting creative careers and lifelong learning

• Promoting cultural tourism and regional identity

• Activating and transforming local spaces

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Exceeding the maximum grant amount of $13,000

• Failing to provide the required 35% applicant contribution

• Submitting more than two applications without prior acquittal

• Ignoring local priorities or failing to demonstrate community benefit

• Not maintaining valid public liability insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply? Individual artists, creative practitioners, organizations, and registered not-for-profits in the Mackay region.

2. What is the maximum funding? $13,000 per project.

 3. How much of the project cost does RADF cover? Up to 65%, with applicants contributing the remaining 35%.

4. Can I submit more than one application per year? Yes, up to two, provided previous grants are properly acquitted.

5. Are organizations without an ABN eligible? Only if auspiced by an entity or individual with a valid ABN.

6. What types of projects are supported? Arts, culture, heritage, cultural tourism, community engagement, placemaking, and lifelong learning initiatives.

7. Is insurance required? Yes, valid public liability insurance of $20 million is mandatory.

Conclusion

The RADF empowers artists, creatives, and organizations in Mackay to deliver innovative, inclusive, and impactful arts projects. By promoting community engagement, cultural tourism, and local identity, RADF strengthens Queensland’s diverse and vibrant cultural landscape.

For more information, visit Mackay Regional Council.