MadeSC

MadeSC is a creative development program supporting independent artists, creative businesses and arts organisations to develop their arts practice and professional skills, create work and connect with opportunities to present. 

The program is an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council designed and delivered in partnership with the creative sector, and includes creative labs, workshops, mentorship models, residencies and presentation opportunities. 

MadeSC broadly encompasses two streams – Professional Development and Creative Development - as well as the presentation of work developed throughout the program.

The creative development stream of MadeSC supports the generation of new work on the Sunshine Coast through a combination of access to space, funding, mentorship and production.

MadeSC Annual EOI

Where: Kabi Kabi & Jinibara Country, Sunshine Coast

Submissions open: 24 February 2025  

Submissions close: Midnight, 21 April 2025  

Notification: within 4 weeks of closing date. 

This Expression of Interest (EOI) invites established contemporary artists from all disciplines to submit proposals for ambitious, innovative projects to be developed in collaboration with venues, organisations, and presenters across the Sunshine Coast and beyond. 

First up, we’re inviting you to take part in this initial round of EOIs. This stage is all about crafting a high-level, low-resolution pitch that sells your bold, creative vision. 

Through your EOI, we want to see:

• Your most ambitious, exciting, and original idea. We want to feel the energy behind your concept—make us excited about it!
• A project that represents you as a Sunshine Coast creative while also showcasing the region’s artistic talent on a broader stage. How will your work contribute to this?
• A strong connection to the arts community. MadeSC is all about strengthening relationships between artists, spaces, and organisations. How does your project support this goal?

Being part of MadeSC LAB offers:

• Artist stipends ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 to support any aspect of your project.
• In-person and online engagements, including workshops, dialogues, and collaborative sessions.
• Opportunities to network with fellow MadeSC LAB participants.
• Access to emerging technologies relevant to your creative practice.
• Mentorship from industry professionals across various fields.
• A dedicated industry event to present findings and showcase creative outcomes.

This proposal will be shaped by your responses to the questions in the EOI.

Assessment Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria. While your project does not need to meet all of these, strong alignment will strengthen your application.

1. Creativity & Innovation

• Collaboration between established contemporary artists, researchers, and/or innovators.
• Builds capacity for or showcases the talent of Sunshine Coast-based creatives.

2. Viability

• Realistic in scope, considering the available budget and project timeline.
• Has secured or plans to secure additional funding or development support (including in-kind contributions).
• Support materials demonstrate an established contemporary practice and a track record of delivering projects.

3. Local Connection — Sunshine Coast

• Led by or involving Sunshine Coast-based applicants or businesses.
• Engages with Traditional Owners to incorporate local First Nations knowledge systems, technologies, and/or artistic practices.
• Responds to a specific locality or site within the Sunshine Coast.

The process

You have until 21 April to submit your Round 1 EOI. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your application, feel free to reach out to the Creative Arts team — we’re here to help. If you're unsure about anything, start the conversation — it’s our job to support your success.

All EOIs will be carefully reviewed by Sunshine Coast Council staff and members of the RADF peer assessment panel who will assess submissions and shortlist the most promising ideas. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to an information session outlining the full, formal MadeSC application process.

Final decisions on all applications are expected by the end of the financial year, with successful projects commencing from 1 July 2025.

The goal is to ensure all applications are thoughtfully assessed and that selected projects receive the support they need to thrive.

Additional information

Here are some key things to keep in mind when applying for MadeSC funding:

• MadeSC is a separate funding opportunity from RADF grants.
• MadeSC is not directly tied to Horizon, but works developed through the program may be included if they align.
• We’ll help connect you with venues, spaces, and opportunities that might be a great fit for your project.
• Have a bold idea? Let’s talk! The Creative Arts Team is here to discuss and refine your vision.
• MadeSC is designed to benefit creatives on the Sunshine Coast.
• Dream big. Ideas can always be refined, but it's much harder to scale up something too small—we want to hear about the bold, daring, elegant or messy, boisterous, monstrous, complex, moving… insert any superlative you like! And yes, this includes the intimate, contained, and deeply considered. The key is ambition—we want to be inspired by your artistic brilliance.

Unsure? Have questions? Need to workshop your idea?

Come chat with the Creative Arts Team—we’re here to help.

📩 Contact us at: creativearts@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.