Applications are now open for Round 1 of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), with grants up to $10,000 available to support artistic ventures across Redlands Coast.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the annual program helped to showcase the creative arts as a key driver of strong and inclusive communities.
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“We have a vibrant arts sector on Redlands Coast and this is one of the ways Council, in partnership with the Queensland Government, can provide support for our local creatives,” she said.
“Grants up to $10,000 are available through the program to assist emerging and established artists, creative practitioners, and producers across various artistic mediums.
“The program has a range of objectives, including to encourage creative skills development, elevate First Nations creators and audiences, and build cultural capacity and community pride.
“It also aims to address diverse community needs such as an ageing and geographically dispersed population and disengaged young people.”
The Mayor said previous grant recipients have spanned creative fields such as theatre, music, fashion, dance, visual art, craft, and film.
“Last financial year, more than $68,000 in RADF grants were awarded across two rounds to support 10 local projects,” she said.
“This included an art fair showcasing Quandamooka culture, an inclusive community concert held at the Redland Performing Arts Centre, an in-school arts and community engagement program, and an oral history project.
“We are excited to see what projects our local creatives come up with this year and look forward to seeing how they help to engage and connect people across our community.”
Arts, Culture and Heritage Portfolio representative Cr Paul Bishop said the program continued to deliver positive outcomes for the development of the local arts sector.
“Funding is awarded to support projects that align with the priorities in Council’s Creative Arts Service Strategy 2024–2029,” Cr Bishop said.
“The key aims include fostering engagement, building partnerships, and activating our arts and cultural spaces to improve community wellbeing and contribute to the cultural vitality of the city.
“Previous initiatives funded by this program have seen significant benefits delivered for both experienced and emerging arts practitioners across a wide range of artistic fields.
“I encourage interested creatives to make contact with Council officers to discuss plans and eligibility – especially where there can be benefits to other practitioners and the broader community.”
Applications for Round 1 of the RADF program for 2025–2026 close on 6 October 2025. A second round of funding is set to open in February 2026.
For further information on RADF, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Redland City Council’s Grants and sponsorship webpage or contact Council’s RADF Liaison Officer on 3829 8656.
