Regional Arts Development Fund

Arts Queensland (AQ) is proud to partner with local government to support quality arts and cultural experiences across Queensland through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

By investing in local arts and cultural priorities, RADF promotes the value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of social change and strong, diverse and inclusive regional communities.

RADF is delivered in partnership with 59 Queensland local councils and aligns with the priorities of Creative Together 2020-2030.

Objectives

RADF supports arts and cultural activities that:

increase access to arts and cultural experiences in regional Queensland
grow employment and capacity building opportunities for artists and arts workers across regional Queensland
deliver on local arts and cultural priorities and promote the value of arts, culture and heritage.

Case studies

Ironing Maidens duo deliver original take on “house” music

Queensland communities get on board for interactive electronic music experience.

Connecting through fashion, visual arts and stories

The Re-Collections initiative by Delta Yarns fostered community connection in the Burdekin by sharing local stories through fashion, visual arts and writing

New signage enhances historic site

Mareeba Shire Council initiative supports cultural tourism at heritage listed site

Building a Healthy Planet with the arts

Plastic Boutique’s community arts initiative connected communities across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions and created employment for artists.

Bundaberg photographer Sabrina Lauriston presents solo exhibition for International Women’s Day

Bundaberg photographer Sabrina Lauriston’s exhibition, I am Woman, explores the lives of the region’s local women.

Bent not Broken – art project at Julia Creek

A regional collaborative arts projects provided opportunities for the community to connect whilst learning new skills.

RADF funding opportunities for artists

The Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland, provides RADF investment to 59 councils in 2024-25. Councils provide co-investment and in-kind support to RADF delivery as local projects, initiatives and grants programs. For more information or to apply for funding, please contact your local council.

From 2024-25, AQ is commencing multi-year funding agreements with councils. This change offers surety of ongoing investment in local communities and gives councils greater autonomy in program management.

RADF does not operate in the Brisbane City Council area or in Indigenous Council areas.

Artists in the Brisbane City Council area are encouraged to apply through the Creative Sparks funding program, a joint initiative of Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Artists in an Indigenous Council area are encouraged to apply through the Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership program between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Councils, Communities and incorporated Community Organisations.

Assessment criteria

All applications are assessed by the RADF Assessment Panel against the equally weighted criteria shown below. The indicators listed are a sample of the evidence needed to achieve each criterion:

High quality

Produces or contributes to high-quality arts and cultural initiatives for local communities.
Proven capacity to effectively support and deliver arts and cultural services
Evidence of delivery against local arts and cultural priorities.

Strong impact

Creates new employment opportunities and skills development for artists and arts workers in Queensland..
Builds new audiences and markets and reputation for Queensland arts and cultures..
Demonstrates community and stakeholder involvement in RADF priority setting, decision making and evaluation..
Responds to community needs and helps deliver government priorities including alignment to Creative Together 2020-2030 and the principles of the Cultural Engagement Framework.

Sustainable value

Demonstrates value for money..
Demonstrates sound governance, and ethical business practices, including paying amounts not less than industry award rates, recommended or agreed minimum rates, and adhering to cultural protocols..
Proposed activity has a strong delivery plan, including understanding potential risks and their management.