Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Grants

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.  

RADF funding supports emerging and established artists, creative practitioners and producers to develop their practice and deliver high-quality creative outcomes that align with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038.

Information on eligibility, priorities and assessment criteria

RADF Guidelines (updated July 2026)

FAQs and Important Information (PDF 1.25MB) (updated August 2025)

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. 

Funding is available in four categories:

Arts Projects 

• Major Projects (up to $15,000)
• Small Grants (up to $3,000)

Artist Development  

• Mentorship (up to $5,000)
• Professional Development (up to $1,500)

Applicants may submit one application per funding round.

When is funding available?

The next RADF Grants round opens on 21 July and closes 1 September 2026.

Please note that rolling grants are no longer available. Applications can only be submitted during an open funding round.

Who assesses my application?

Applications are assessed by the RADF Assessment Panel.

When will I know if I have been successful?

Approximately 6-8 weeks from closing date of round.

How to apply

Before applying, applicants should review the following documents to ensure their project meets the program objectives and eligibility requirements:

• RADF Guidelines (updated July 2026)
• FAQs and Important Information (PDF 1.25MB) (updated August 2025)

Applications:

• Must be submitted online.
• Must be submitted before starting the project.
• Will be accessible only during the open funding period.

Looking for support or more information?

Join a free online information session to learn more about RADF Arts Grants and gain practical grant writing tips to help strengthen your application.

You can also view the previous information session presentation:

RADF Grants - Creative Sector Information Presentation

If you still have questions, contact the RADF Officer at:

artsfunding@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

To help us respond efficiently, please include the following information with your enquiry:

• Applicant name
• Project name
• Your location
• Proposed project dates
• Brief project description (2-3 sentences)
• Links to your work (website and/or social media).

If your project is eligible, you will be invited to book a free 30-minute consultation with a RADF Officer. The session provides an opportunity to discuss your project idea and receive guidance to help plan your application.

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

Find out about Sunshine Coast Council's funding, professional development, project opportunities, and creative programs - designed for our region's artists - by subscribing to the Artist's Edition.

Contacts

If you still have questions, contact the RADF Officer at artsfunding@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Office hours are 8.30am–4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Variations to already funded projects

If you require a project variation or an extension of your project dates, contact the RADF Team via arts funding@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au with the details.