Developing the rich arts and culture of Redlands Coast sometimes needs a helping hand, especially when it comes to emerging creative ideas.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) – a partnership between Arts Queensland and Redland City Council – is one financial source that has helped numerous local artists and arts groups to flourish.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty encouraged Redlands Coast residents who had creative ideas they want to develop to apply for RADF funding.
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“It could well be the edge you need for success, or indeed the impetus to give you confidence to fully pursue your idea,” Cr Talty said.
“Applications for Round 2 of the 2025–2026 RADF program are now open and already recipients under Round 1 are bringing their creativity to the fore.
“There were seven approved projects under the first round, and they came from a diverse range of disciplines.”
One of those projects is Rising Stars 2026, a professional vocal development program for emerging singers, run by Mirusia Productions.
Involving workshops and a showcase performance, the program was granted $4500 under RADF and is led by locally based internationally acclaimed soprano Mirusia, who said the funding allowed her to bring in professional guest coaches for participants.
“Having industry professionals in the room completely changes the experience for the participants,” Mirusia said.
“They don’t just learn technique, they hear different perspectives, ask real career questions, and understand what the industry expects from them.
“Most importantly, it means local young singers don’t have to leave the Redlands or travel to Brisbane to access high-level training. The opportunity comes to them.”
Mirusia described the Redlands Coast arts community as “very open and supportive”.
“People genuinely want each other to succeed and there is a lot of cross-generational mentoring, which is quite special and something I genuinely support,” she said.
“There is also a strong sense of pride in being local. Redlands Coast artists are ambitious, but still very community-minded, so projects tend to feel personal rather than transactional.
“The environment itself plays a role too. Being coastal and a bit removed from the city creates a calmer, more collaborative creative space where people are willing to try new things and grow, without the pressure that often exists in larger centres.”
Visual artist Erika Scott, who is based on Lamb Island, is putting $5000 in RADF funding towards scratching an itch – Cambium Itch to be precise, an exhibition she has planned for the Institute of Modern Art later this year.
The funding will cover artwork development on Lamb Island, public programs, and transportation costs, she said.
“The RADF grant has been vital in realising the most ambitious artwork of my career,” said Ms Scott who transforms salvaged local materials into large-scale immersive installations.
“By assisting with artwork transportation fees, my rural location hasn’t impacted the quality of my creative outcome.
“I source the majority of my art materials from local thrift stores and recycle centres, so I lean heavily on the Redlands community for conceptual guidance and inspiration.
“The people and Redlands community are unique, and my project purposefully reframes domestic materials within the region to mirror this.”
Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Portfolio representative Cr Paul Bishop said these two projects were prime examples of how RADF funding was helping to enrich the arts experience on Redlands Coast.
“They directly focus on local artists and emerging artists, but collectively they are providing soul food for everyone in the arts community and for everyone who loves the arts,” Cr Bishop said.
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Redland City Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
More information on the RADF program and how to apply for Round 2 (closing 23 March) is available on Council’s Grants and sponsorship RADF webpage.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said RADF supported delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, a 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.
“The Queensland Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” the Minister said.
“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies.”
