Theatre, art and storytelling for everyone to enjoy
Our creative community benefits from regional arts grants
Sunshine Coast artists are set to deliver an exciting new wave of work after securing support through Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants.
The RADF program is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council, supporting local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
On the Sunshine Coast, RADF grants help emerging and established artists, creative practitioners and producers to develop new work, build skills, grow audiences and strengthen the region’s creative ecology in line with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the latest round of funding reflected the wonderful depth, diversity and ambition of the region’s creative sector.
“From theatre and music to visual arts and screen, these projects show the incredible strength of creative practice across our region,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Council is proud to support our local artists and producers to develop work, refine their skills and present to audiences – for all to enjoy.
“When we invest in creativity, we invest in a vibrant region where local stories, talent and cultural experiences can thrive.
“This funding helps artists take the next step in their careers while contributing to a Sunshine Coast that is alive with arts, culture and creativity.”
Our creative region
In the last round, Council awarded more than $80,000 in RADF grants to 10 local arts projects, supporting creative initiatives with a combined value exceeding $364,000.
Council’s Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the funded projects highlighted the professionalism and innovation of the local creative sector.
“These grants support a really impressive mix of projects that will help local creatives test ideas, collaborate, build capability and connect with audiences,” Cr Law said.
“They also show how RADF can back work that is bold, authentic and deeply relevant to our community.
“By supporting arts projects at different stages of development, Council is helping strengthen the creative life of our region now and into the future.”
A look at what’s to come
Theatre
Among the supported projects is Catbird Theatre Company’s The Curious Op Shop, a new work for young audiences that explores the hidden histories of second-hand treasures through storytelling, puppetry, film and inventive props.
The project is moving into rehearsal and production ahead of an initial run of five performances, including a preview at the Black Box Theatre in Nambour.
Catbird Theatre is a Sunshine Coast-based company that creates original theatre experiences for young audiences designed to spark imagination, curiosity and creativity.
Glass art
Local glass artist Erin Conron will create a new body of work exploring perception, surface design and spatial illusion.
The works will be developed between Canberra Glassworks and Conron’s studio in Verrierdale, before being exhibited at Caloundra Regional Gallery in Manipulating Vision: The Glass Art of Erin Conron from 16 October to 6 December 2026.
Conron’s practice investigates the intersection of form, surface and light through kiln-formed and blown glass.
Artwork from the Prism Study series by Erin Conron
Multimedia practice
First Nations artist Darren Blackman will develop Boutique 1770, a portable installation combining fashion, textiles and conceptual art for presentation at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2027 and NorthSite Contemporary Arts in Cairns.
Developed through professional mentorship and collaboration, the project will foreground First Nations creativity on the Sunshine Coast through tour-ready contemporary art and cultural communication.
Blackman is a proud Gureng Gureng/Gangalu man with Kanak South Sea Islander heritage who grew up in Nambour and has recently been recognised through major exhibitions and acquisitions.
Audio-visual storytelling
Funding has also been awarded to Jordan Lawrence for The Skyview Collective: A Collaborative Storytelling Project, a music and documentary initiative created in collaboration with poet Greg Sek-Reid, who lives with severe physical disability.
The project will support session musician fees, professional mixing and mastering, album distribution and the production of a short documentary film.
For the full list of grant recipients, visit Council’s website.
How you can apply for funding
Sunshine Coast artists, creative practitioners and arts organisations are encouraged to apply for the current round of RADF grants, which closes on 1 September 2026.
The grants provide funding to support the development and delivery of contemporary arts projects and professional development opportunities that contribute to the region's vibrant arts and cultural sector.
Applications are assessed by the RADF Assessment Panel against local benefit, artistic merit and project viability.
Council also offers information sessions, one-on-one consults and other support to help applicants develop strong proposals.
For guidelines, eligibility information and application details, visit Council's website.