Call for Applications: Regional Arts Development Fund (Australia)

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grants 2026 are now open to support artists, arts organisations, and creative collectives delivering arts and cultural projects across the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Grants of up to AUD 15,000 are available across four funding categories to encourage artistic excellence, professional development, mentorship, and community engagement.

About the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Sunshine Coast Council that supports the growth of arts, culture, and creative industries across regional Queensland.

The programme aligns with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038, providing targeted investment in contemporary arts initiatives that strengthen the local creative sector, build artistic capability, increase community participation, and enhance the cultural identity of the Sunshine Coast region.

Through this initiative, artists, arts organisations, and creative collectives can access funding to develop innovative projects, expand professional skills, engage audiences, and contribute to a thriving regional arts community.

Programme Objectives

The Regional Arts Development Fund aims to:

• Support high-quality arts and cultural initiatives.
• Foster artistic excellence and innovation.
• Strengthen the Sunshine Coast creative sector.
• Encourage community participation in arts and culture.
• Build sustainable careers for artists and arts professionals.
• Increase audience engagement and cultural participation.
• Promote regional arts and cultural development.
• Support mentoring, collaboration, and professional growth.

Grant Categories

RADF Grants are available under four funding streams.

Major Projects

Funding of up to AUD 15,000 is available for significant arts and cultural projects that deliver strong artistic, community, and regional outcomes.

Small Grants

Funding of up to AUD 3,000 supports smaller-scale creative projects, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community arts initiatives.

Artist Development Mentorship

Applicants can receive up to AUD 5,000 to undertake mentorship opportunities that strengthen artistic practice, creative skills, and professional development.

Professional Development

Funding of up to AUD 1,500 is available for workshops, conferences, training, courses, and other opportunities that enhance the professional skills of artists and arts professionals.

Funding Available

The programme offers funding under the following categories:

• Major Projects: Up to AUD 15,000
• Small Grants: Up to AUD 3,000
• Artist Development Mentorship: Up to AUD 5,000
• Professional Development: Up to AUD 1,500

Who is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

• Individual artists.
• Arts organisations.
• Creative collectives.
• Arts professionals.

Applicants must either operate within the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area or clearly demonstrate how their project will benefit the Sunshine Coast region.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be a practicing artist or arts professional.
• Deliver a project within the Sunshine Coast region or demonstrate a clear regional benefit.
• Submit only one application during the funding round.
• Have no outstanding acquittals for previous Council-funded projects.
• Not have received a RADF grant within the previous six months.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support a wide range of creative activities, including:

• Arts and cultural projects.
• Public exhibitions.
• Performances.
• Creative workshops.
• Community arts initiatives.
• Artist mentorship programmes.
• Professional training.
• Skills development.
• Audience engagement activities.
• Contemporary arts projects.

Why This Grant Matters

The Regional Arts Development Fund plays an important role in supporting the long-term sustainability of the Sunshine Coast’s creative industries.

By investing in artists, organisations, and creative professionals, the programme helps produce high-quality artistic work, encourages innovation, creates employment opportunities, develops professional skills, and expands access to arts and culture for local communities.

The programme also supports the implementation of the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038, helping to build a vibrant and resilient regional creative economy.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the official RADF funding guidelines.
2. Select the funding category that best matches your project.
3. Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
4. Prepare a detailed project description and implementation plan.
5. Develop a realistic project budget.
6. Gather all required supporting documents.
7. Complete the official application form.
8. Submit one application before the closing date.
9. Wait for assessment and funding notification.

Tips for Applicants

To prepare a stronger application:

• Select the most appropriate grant category.
• Clearly explain your artistic vision and project outcomes.
• Demonstrate how your project benefits the Sunshine Coast community.
• Include realistic timelines and measurable outcomes.
• Prepare a detailed and accurate budget.
• Highlight previous artistic achievements and relevant experience.
• Ensure all supporting documentation is complete before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying under the wrong funding category.
• Submitting multiple applications during the same funding round.
• Applying without a valid ABN.
• Providing incomplete budgets or supporting documents.
• Failing to demonstrate regional benefit.
• Applying while previous Council-funded projects remain unacquitted.
• Applying within six months of receiving a previous RADF grant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Regional Arts Development Fund Grants?

The programme is open to individual artists, arts organisations, creative collectives, and arts professionals who operate within or can demonstrate benefits to the Sunshine Coast region.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Funding ranges from AUD 1,500 for Professional Development Grants to AUD 15,000 for Major Projects.

Do applicants need an Australian Business Number (ABN)?

Yes. All applicants must hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).

Can applicants from outside the Sunshine Coast apply?

Yes. Applicants outside the Sunshine Coast may apply if they can clearly demonstrate that their project provides significant benefits to the Sunshine Coast region.

Can previous RADF recipients apply?

Applicants are not eligible if they have received a RADF grant within the previous six months or have outstanding acquittals for earlier Council-funded projects.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports arts projects, exhibitions, performances, workshops, mentorships, professional development, community arts initiatives, and other creative activities that align with the programme objectives.

How many applications can be submitted?

Only one application per funding round is permitted for each applicant.

Conclusion

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grants 2026 provide valuable financial support for artists, organisations, and creative collectives working to enrich the cultural life of the Sunshine Coast. With funding available across four grant categories, the programme encourages artistic excellence, professional growth, community engagement, and innovative cultural projects that strengthen the region’s creative sector and contribute to a vibrant regional arts landscape.