Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grants
Find out how to apply for funding under the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Featured artwork by Ben Tupas. Captured by Alison Mooney
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. RADF funds are aimed at the development of emerging and established artists, creative practitioners and producers. RADF funding is awarded to projects that align with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038, which provides a roadmap to guide Council's future priorities, programs and investment in the arts.
Always check the guidelines for eligibility and priorities before applying.
Looking for support or more information?
The Creative Sector Development team regularly host online and in person information sessions, panels and one on one consults to support applicants and provide information. Bookings and registrations are essential. This page will be updated with upcoming sessions and events as they become available.
RADF Grants - Creative Sector Information Presentation (PDF 7.14MB) (updated August 2025).
Artists, collectives and art organisations can also contact Council for further support via email. Please ensure the below details are included in query;
- Applicant name and project name
- Where are you based?
- Project dates
- 2-3 sentences about your project
- Any links to your work including websites or social media.
You can email queries with the above information to: [email protected]
What funding is available?
RADF Grants support artists, organisations and collectives to develop and deliver quality contemporary arts projects, develop skills and capacity, and grow audiences and engagement, contributing to the region’s cultural vitality.
Arts Projects
- Major Projects (up to $15,000): two rounds per year — applications close March and September. March round opened February 23 and closed midnight 30 March.
Artist Development
- Mentorship (up to $5,000): two rounds per year — applications close March and September. March round opened February 23 and closed midnight 30 March.
- Professional Development (up to $1,500): applications close March and September. March round opened February 23 and closed midnight 30 March.
Information on eligibility, priorities and assessment criteria
RADF Guidelines (PDF 906KB) (updated August 2025)
FAQs and Important Information (PDF 1.25MB) (updated August 2025)
When is funding available?
The round for Arts Projects - Projects and Artist Development - Mentorship and Professional Development were open 23 February and closed 30 March 2026.
Arts funding rounds for the 2026/27 financial year will be announced soon. To stay up to date on upcoming funding rounds, subscribe to the artist quarterly here.
Who assesses my application?
Applications are assessed by the RADF Assessment Panel.
When will I know if I have been successful?
Approximately 8-12 weeks from closing date of round.
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted online.
- If you would like to discuss your project and ensure eligibility, contact the Creative Arts team via email at [email protected]
- Complete the RADF grant application form for your chosen category:
- Arts Projects:
- Artist Development:
What else to consider when applying for funding
- acknowledging council and acquitting your grant
- previous successful applicants
- tips and tricks and more.
Stay up to date on all opportunities
The Artist Quarterly is your up to date resource for all of Sunshine Coast Council's led arts sector funding and professional development opportunities. Subscribe to the artist quarterly here.
You can find previous editions of The Artist Quarterly here.
Contacts
- For more information about the RADF program, help planning the application and technical queries, please contact Council's Sector Development Team at [email protected].
- Office hours are 8.30am–4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).