Applications open for RADF Regional Arts Development Fund (Australia)

RADF funding is awarded to projects that align with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023–2038, which provides a roadmap to guide council’s future priorities, programs and investment in the arts.

RADF Grants support arts and culture-based projects and activities that align with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023 – 2038, its vision, values, and goals.

The Program supports the Sunshine Coast creative community to develop and deliver quality contemporary arts projects, develop skills and capacity, and grow audiences and engagement, contributing to the region’s cultural vitality.

Goals

• Empower First Nations: First Nations creativity and contemporary cultural expression is celebrated, emboldened, and self-determined.
• Build capacity: The region’s creatives, artists and sector are professional, skilled, and connected.
• Strengthen engagement: Arts audiences grow through genuine participation and a diverse range of meaningful and tailored experiences.
• Boost infrastructure: Dynamic places and innovative approaches enable artists and audiences to connect, create, and share.
• Cultivate identity: Their reputation as a creative region attracts attention, talent, and investment.

Funding Information

• Arts Projects: Council provides grant funding to artists, organisations, and collectives to financially support their arts and culture-based projects that deliver measurable outcomes aligned to the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan and have a clear connection and benefit to the Sunshine Coast. Arts Projects include two grant types:
  • Arts Projects: Major Projects
    • Peer-assessed by an external RADF Assessment Panel.
    • Funding up to $15,000.
    • Funding is available for one-off or multiple stages of a project  concept development, project development and presentation and must include specific start and end dates.
  • Arts Projects: Small Grants
    • Assessed by (one) representative of external RADF Assessment Panel and Sunshine Coast Council Officers and approved by Council nominated delegate.
    • Funding up to $3,000.
    • Funding is available for smaller projects and activities requiring support outside of Arts Projects – Major Project rounds.
• Artist Development: Council provides grant funding to artists to financially support the development of artistic practice and professional pathways. Applicants must be based on the Sunshine Coast and applications must include clear developmental outcomes for their region’s creative ecology aligned to the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan. Arts Development includes two grant types:
  • Artist Development: Mentorship
    • Peer-assessed by an external RADF Assessment Panel.
    • Funding up to $5,000.
    • Funding is available for artists to engage in significant and structured developmental activities with suitable mentor that is an individual with extensive knowledge, experience, and networks in a particular field. Evidence that the mentor is committed and available is required.
    • A First Nations Elder or Knowledge Keeper can be considered a mentor.
  • Artist Development: Professional Development Activities
    • Assessed by (one) representative of external RADF Assessment Panel and Sunshine Coast Council officers and approved by Council nominated delegate.
    • Funding up to $1,500.
    • Funding is available for up to 50% of the cost to attend or present at significant industry conferences, workshops and events including travel, accommodation, and tickets.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals who are Sunshine Coast residents.
• Organisations / Groups / Collectives that operate within the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area or that demonstrate the project or program will benefit the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area.
• Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) in the name of the applicant or their business.
• Individual applicants/collectives must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Applicants must be, or engage, practicing artists or arts professionals.
• Arts Projects — Major Projects and Artist Development — Mentorship applicants can submit only one application per round.

Deadlines

• Arts Projects
  • Major Projects: 7 October 2024
  • Small Grants: Ongoing
• Artist Development
  • Mentorship: 7 October 2024
  • Professional Development: Ongoing

For more information, visit Sunshine Coast Council.