Record funding creates more opportunities for local artists
Applications are open for Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants, with more money now available to support artists, creatives and producers.
Previous RADF recipient_SilenceOfTheJams_KerbsideCollective
Local artists can now access more funding thanks to exciting changes made to the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants program.
The program is open now and supports artists to develop skills, create new work and grow their audiences.
Grants of up to $15,000, increased from $10,000 in previous rounds, are now available to support emerging and established artists, creatives and producers to deliver a wide range of projects.
The addition of a Small Grants Program, with funding up to $3,000, is open all year, as well as a new Professional Development Grant, also offered as a rolling fund.
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said RADF Grants were important for allowing our artists to develop their practice.
“RADF grants help our local artists to bring their ideas to life and contribute to our Creative Arts Plan vision — a Sunshine Coast alive with arts, culture and creativity,” Cr Bunnag said.
“This new approach strengthens the program, and together with a smaller rolling fund, will allow us to be more agile and responsive to artist needs.
“To ensure that funding benefits the region, in addition to looking at artistic merit and viability, all applications will be assessed against the goals and strategies of the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan.
“The next round of funding has just opened, along with an EOI for people to be on the RADF assessment panel.
“It’s important our panel is representative of the industry, so we’ll be casting our net wide, and hope to attract members with experience across a range of artforms, including screen, literary and dance.”
RADF grants are available in two categories, Arts Projects and Artist Development, with different grant types within each category — ranging from major (two rounds per year) to smaller rolling funds which are available all year.
| Category | Grant Type | Schedule |
| Arts Projects | Arts Projects - Major Projects (up to $15,000) | Two rounds per year – Close dates are first Monday in March and October |
| Arts Projects - Small Grants (up to $3,000) | Rolling grant fund that receives applications throughout the year or until funds are fully expended. | |
| Artist Development | Artist Development – Mentorship (up to $5,000) | Two rounds per year – Close dates are first Monday in March and October |
| Artist Development – Professional Development (up to $1,500) | Rolling grant fund that receives applications throughout the year or until funds are fully expended. |
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Grant funding eligibility
Applicants must reside or be based in the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area or, if based outside the local government area, demonstrate how the project will directly benefit residents in the Sunshine Coast.
Key dates
- Round open: Monday 26 August 2024
- Round close: Monday 7 October 2024
- RADF Arts Grants 1-on-1 consults: Thursday 26 September, 12pm – 4pm, City Hall Foyer, Maroochydore Bookings essential