Applications open for Queensland Arts Project Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

The Queensland Arts Project Fund provides one-off grants to Queensland-based artists, creatives, arts organisations, companies, and groups to develop, produce, and present new creative work. Funding of up to $70,000 is available through the General and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander streams, while individual applicants can receive up to $20,000, with an additional $10,000 accessibility funding available for eligible projects. What Is the Queensland Arts Project Fund? The Queensland Arts Project Fund is a Queensland Government arts funding programme supporting the creation, development, production, and presentation of new creative work. The fund is part of Queensland’s Time to Shine: 10-year arts and cultural strategy, which aims to strengthen the state’s creative sector and expand opportunities for artists, arts workers, audiences, and communities. The programme supports projects that reflect Queensland’s: It is designed to help artists move creative ideas from development through to production and public presentation. Why Does the Fund Matter? Creative projects can strengthen local identity, create employment opportunities, develop artistic careers, and provide communities with greater access to cultural experiences. Create career opportunities for artists and arts workers. Encourage new creative work. Strengthen Queensland’s creative sector. Share Queensland stories and perspectives. Increase public access to arts and cultural experiences. Support collaborations and creative partnerships. Encourage First Nations artistic practice. Improve accessibility and participation in the arts. What Funding Is Available? The programme has three main funding streams. General Stream The General Stream provides grants of up to $70,000. It is available for eligible Queensland-based artists, arts organisations, companies, and groups undertaking projects that meet the fund’s objectives. Individuals Stream The Individuals Stream provides grants of up to $20,000. This stream is intended for individual Queensland-based artists and creatives developing, producing, or presenting eligible creative work. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stream The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stream provides grants of up to $70,000. It supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, groups, and organisations undertaking eligible creative projects. For organisations applying through the First Nations stream, the organisation must be at least 50% owned and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Accessibility Funding Eligible applicants may request an additional $10,000 in accessibility funding. This funding is designed to improve participation and engagement for: Collaborations with nationally recognised artists or organisations. Collaborations with internationally recognised artists or organisations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion projects. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textile projects. Accessibility initiatives connected to eligible creative projects. The proposed activity should demonstrate clear artistic value and align with the objectives of the Queensland Arts Project Fund. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The fund is open to eligible Queensland-based individuals, artists, arts companies, organisations, and groups. Applicants should demonstrate that they are based in Queensland and have the capacity to undertake the proposed project. Eligible First Nations applicants can apply through the dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stream. For organisations applying through this stream, at least 50% ownership and leadership must be held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. What Does the Fund Look for in Applications? Applications are assessed competitively.

A strong application should demonstrate:

Artistic merit. A clearly defined creative project. Strong project planning. A realistic and viable budget. Capacity to deliver the project. Benefits for Queensland artists. Benefits for arts workers. Benefits for audiences or communities. Alignment with Queensland’s arts and cultural objectives. Contribution to Queensland’s creative sector. The project should clearly explain what will be created, why it matters, who will benefit, and how it will be delivered. How to Apply

Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Funding Stream

First determine whether the project should be submitted through: General Stream. Individuals Stream. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stream. Applicants should select the stream that best matches their status and the nature of the project.

Step 2: Define the Creative Project

Clearly describe the proposed work.

Explain:

What will be created? Which artform will be used? What is the creative concept? Why is the project important? What makes the work new or significant?

Step 3: Explain the Artistic Merit

Applicants should demonstrate the artistic quality and creative value of the project. Explain how the project contributes to the applicant’s artistic practice and, where relevant, to Queensland’s wider arts and cultural landscape.

Step 4: Develop a Project Plan

Provide a clear plan showing how the project will move from development to completion.

The plan should identify:

Major activities. Key milestones. Project timeframe. Artists and collaborators. Production or presentation requirements. Expected outputs. Public engagement activities.

Step 5: Prepare a Viable Budget

The budget should clearly explain how the requested funding will be used. Include relevant project expenses and ensure that the proposed costs are realistic and directly connected to the project.

Step 6: Demonstrate Community and Sector Benefits

Explain how the project will benefit:

Queensland artists. Arts workers. Creative professionals. Audiences. Local communities. Queensland’s creative sector.

Step 7: Request Accessibility Funding if Required

Applicants requiring the additional accessibility allocation should clearly explain: Who requires accessib