Applications Open for PASSAGE Artist Development Program (Australia)

The PASSAGE Artist Development Program provides funding, mentorship, creative space access, and professional development opportunities for artists, creatives, and arts organisations in Southeast Queensland. Administered by Redland City Council, the program offers grants of up to A$2,000 per project to help artists develop innovative work, strengthen their professional practice, and contribute to the cultural growth of the Redlands Coast.

PASSAGE Artist Development Program

About the Program

The PASSAGE Artist Development Program is an artist development initiative established by Redland City Council to support emerging and established artists, creative practitioners, and arts organisations across Southeast Queensland.

The program serves as a professional incubator by combining financial assistance with mentorship, industry guidance, and access to creative facilities. It encourages artists to experiment with new ideas, build sustainable creative careers, strengthen professional skills, and develop projects that align with the cultural vision of the Redlands Coast while enriching the local arts sector.

Funding Summary

• Funding Organization: Redland City Council
• Program: PASSAGE Artist Development Program
• Maximum Grant: Up to A$2,000 per project
• Funding Type: Artist development grant with in-kind support
• Additional Support:
  • Access to Council-managed creative spaces
  • Professional mentoring
  • Industry guidance
  • Marketing and promotional support
  • Documentation support
  • Touring advice
  • Final project development workshop

About the Program

The PASSAGE Artist Development Program supports projects that strengthen artistic practice, encourage creative experimentation, and build long-term career opportunities for artists and creative organisations.

The program places a strong emphasis on professional development, collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and community engagement. In addition to financial assistance, successful applicants receive practical support that helps transform creative ideas into sustainable artistic projects.

Projects are expected to contribute to the cultural development of the Redlands Coast while creating opportunities for artists to expand their skills, networks, and professional experience.

Priority Areas

The program supports projects in a wide range of creative disciplines, including:

• Community Arts and Cultural Development
• Circus
• Dance
• Physical Theatre
• Theatre
• Music
• Visual Arts
• Craft and Design
• Writing
• Digital Arts
• Film
• Gaming
• Fashion
• Multi-arts
• Creative experimentation
• Professional artist development
• Arts business capacity building

What the Funding Supports

Funding may support projects that:

• Develop new creative work.
• Explore innovative artistic ideas.
• Build professional artistic practice.
• Strengthen creative businesses.
• Increase access to creative spaces.
• Support mentorship and professional learning.
• Build sustainable creative careers.
• Enhance community arts participation.
• Strengthen cultural development across the Redlands Coast.

In-Kind Support

Successful applicants will also receive valuable non-financial support, including:

• Access to Council-managed creative spaces during non-peak periods.
• Mentorship from the Creative Arts Unit.
• Professional documentation guidance.
• Marketing and promotional assistance.
• Touring advice and support.
• Access to experienced industry mentors.
• Participation in a final project development workshop to explore future opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Individual artists at any career stage.
• Emerging artists.
• Established artists.
• Groups of artists.
• Project-funded companies led by Southeast Queensland residents.
• Artists and creatives with a clear connection to the Redlands Coast.
• Arts and cultural organisations.

Applicants must:

• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold, or be actively obtaining, an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Participate in all required mentorship sessions.

Applications from the following groups are strongly encouraged:

• Artists from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Artists with disabilities.
• LGBTQIA+ artists.

Eligible Project Categories

Projects may be submitted in areas including:

• Community Arts and Cultural Development
• Circus
• Dance
• Physical Theatre
• Professional Skills Development
• Digital Arts
• Fashion
• Film
• Gaming
• Multi-Arts
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts
• Craft and Design
• Writing

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Quality of the proposed project.
• Originality and creativity.
• Artistic and cultural relevance.
• Alignment with the objectives of the PASSAGE Artist Development Program.
• Confirmation of participating artists and creatives.
• Completion of a pre-application discussion with the Creative Arts Unit.
• Community engagement opportunities.
• Professional development outcomes.

Community Engagement Expectations

Applicants are encouraged to include activities that engage the local community, such as:

• Workshops.
• Public performances.
• Exhibitions.
• Artist talks.
• Networking events.
• Open studios.
• Community participation activities.

Why This Program Matters

Many artists require more than financial assistance to build sustainable careers. The PASSAGE Artist Development Program combines funding with mentorship, industry expertise, creative infrastructure, and professional networking to help artists strengthen their practice and develop long-term opportunities.

By supporting creative innovation and community participation, the program also contributes to the cultural vitality and creative economy of the Redlands Coast.

How to Apply

Follow these steps before submitting an application:

1. Review the program guidelines and eligibility requirements.
2. Develop an innovative artistic project aligned with the program objectives.
3. Arrange and complete the required pre-application discussion with the Creative Arts Unit.
4. Confirm participating artists and collaborators.
5. Prepare a project plan and supporting documentation.
6. Demonstrate how the project will engage the community.
7. Submit the completed application before the closing date.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain the artistic vision of your project.
• Demonstrate innovation and originality.
• Show how the project supports your professional development.
• Include meaningful community engagement activities.
• Confirm all participating artists before applying.
• Explain the long-term impact of the project.
• Prepare thoroughly for the mandatory pre-application discussion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the required pre-application discussion.
• Submitting an incomplete application.
• Failing to demonstrate artistic innovation.
• Not confirming project collaborators.
• Providing limited information about community engagement.
• Ignoring the program’s professional development objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the PASSAGE Artist Development Program?

It is a Redland City Council initiative that supports artists through funding, mentorship, professional development, and access to creative spaces.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants may receive up to A$2,000 per project.

Who can apply?

Individual artists, artist groups, arts organisations, and eligible project-funded companies connected to Southeast Queensland or the Redlands Coast may apply.

What creative disciplines are supported?

The program supports numerous disciplines, including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, writing, digital arts, fashion, film, gaming, circus, and multi-arts.

Is mentorship included?

Yes. Successful applicants receive mentorship from the Creative Arts Unit as well as access to industry mentors and professional development support.

Is community engagement required?

Yes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate community engagement through activities such as workshops, exhibitions, performances, networking events, or open studios.

What additional support is provided besides funding?

Successful applicants receive access to Council-managed creative spaces, mentoring, marketing guidance, documentation support, touring advice, industry networking opportunities, and a final development workshop.

Conclusion

The PASSAGE Artist Development Program provides artists and creative organisations with more than financial assistance—it offers a comprehensive professional development opportunity that combines funding, mentorship, industry expertise, and creative infrastructure. By supporting innovative artistic practice and community engagement, the program helps strengthen creative careers while contributing to the cultural growth and artistic vitality of the Redlands Coast.