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, see below for upcoming sessions and events.
RADF Grants - Creative Sector Information Presentation (PDF 7.14MB) (updated August 2025)
The RADF Mixer: Info Session & Panel Discussion
Thursday 5 March, 4pm to 7:30pm, Maroochy Surf Club
Part grant info session, part panel and part networking event; we will cover everything you might need to know about getting your arts project out in the world! Come for an hour, come for the whole afternoon.
Join us to find out how RADF Grants can support you as an artist, learn some handy grant writing tips and hear from previous recipients and current assessors, who've been there, done that, and got the grant. It's also a great and fun opportunity to connect with fellow artists and arts workers in the region!
Book a RADF 1-on-1 Consult
10am to 2:30pm, every Thursday from 26 Feb to 26 March
Want to apply for a RADF Grant in the next round, closing 30 March? Book a 30-minute one-on-one meeting with our team, who can guide you through the process and provide constructive feedback on your project and application.
Book your 30min consultation here.
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 closes midnight 30 March. Apply now here.
- Small Grants (up to $3,000): rolling grant fund that receives applications throughout the year or until funds are fully expended. Applications will be closed at the end of each month for assessment, with notification due by the end of the next month. For example, if the application is submitted on 15 May, the round will close on 31 May and you will be notified by 30 June. Apply now here.
Artist Development
- Mentorship (up to $5,000): two rounds per year — applications close March and September. March round opened February 23 and closes midnight 30 March. Apply now here.
- Professional Development (up to $1,500): rolling grant fund that receives applications throughout the year or until funds are fully expended. Apply now here. Apply now here.
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 - Major Projects and Artist Development - Mentorship will open 23 February and close 30 March 2026.
Arts Projects - Small Grants and Artist Development - Professional Development are rolling funds and are open year-round until all funds are expended.
Arts Projects Small Grants and Artist Development Round Dates:
Indicative application and notification dates are as per below, but subject to change.
| Round | Grant Round Opens | Grant Round Closes | Notification of Outcome | Earliest Project or Project Component Start Date* |
| July | 9am, July 1, 2025 | Midnight, July 31, 2025 | 5pm August 31, 2025 | September 1, 2025 |
| August | 9am, August 1, 2025 | Midnight, August 31, 2025 | 5pm, September 30, 2025 | October 1, 2025 |
| September | 9am, September 1, 2025 | Midnight, September 30, 2025 | 5pm, October 31, 2025 | November 1, 2025 |
| October | 9am, October 1, 2025 | Midnight, October 31, 2025 | 5pm, November 30, 2025 | December 1, 2025 |
| November | 9am, November 1, 2025 | Midnight, November 30, 2025 | 5pm, December 31, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| December | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* |
| January | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* |
| February | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* |
| March | 9am, March 1, 2026 | Midnight, March 31, 2026 | 5pm, April 30, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| April | 9am, April 1, 2026 | Midnight, April 30, 2026 | 5pm, May 31, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| May | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* |
| June | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* |
*Arts Projects Small Grants and Artist Development applications were closed for December 2025 and January, February 2026 due to reduced service capacity. Rolling funds will close on 30 April to allow funds to be processed prior to the end of financial year.
Who assesses my application?
Applications are assessed by the RADF Assessment Panel.
When will I know if I have been successful?
Approximately 8 weeks from closing date of round funds and 6 weeks from submission to rolling funds.
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Contact the Creative Arts team via email at [email protected] or on (07) 5420 8019 to discuss your project and ensure eligibility.
- Complete the RADF grant application form for your chosen category:
What else to consider when applying for funding
- acknowledging council and acquitting your grant
- previous successful applicants
- tips and tricks and more.
Contacts
- For more information about the RADF program, help planning the application and technical queries, please contact council's Creative Development Officer on [email protected] or (07) 5420 8019
- Office hours are 8.30am–4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).