Call for Regional Arts Development Fund Community Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Regional Arts Development Fund Community Grants Program supports professional and emerging artists, arts workers, cultural workers, project coordinators, and arts organisations delivering projects that benefit the Bundaberg region. The program can fund up to 65% of eligible project expenditure, while its Quick Response Grants stream offers up to $2,000 for eligible applicants.

About the Regional Arts Development Fund

The Regional Arts Development Fund, commonly known as RADF, is a partnership between the Queensland Government and local councils, including Bundaberg Regional Council. The program recognises arts, culture, and heritage as important contributors to: - Inclusive communities. - Regional identity. - Cultural participation. - Professional development. - Community wellbeing. - Creative employment. - Strong regional economies. RADF funding is tailored to local arts and cultural priorities and the specific needs of the Bundaberg community. Purpose of the Community Grants Program The Community Grants Program helps artists, cultural workers, and organisations develop and deliver high-quality arts and cultural projects.

The program aims to:

- Strengthen Bundaberg’s arts and cultural sector. - Support professional and emerging artists. - Create opportunities for community participation. - Develop local creative skills. - Promote cultural diversity and inclusion. - Preserve and celebrate local heritage. - Encourage collaboration among artists and communities. - Increase access to arts and cultural experiences. - Support innovative creative projects. - Build sustainable cultural activity in the region. Funding Streams RADF funding in the Bundaberg region is delivered through: - Annual community grant funding rounds. - Quick Response Grants. The most suitable stream will depend on the project’s scale, timing, budget, and purpose. Community Grants Funding RADF may fund up to 65% of the total eligible expenditure included in an application, unless otherwise specified. This means applicants will generally need to secure the remaining portion of the project budget from other sources.

The applicant’s contribution may include:

- Cash contributions. - Other confirmed grants. - Sponsorship. - Fundraising income. - Partner contributions. - Earned project income. - Eligible in-kind support, where permitted. Applicants should check the current guidelines for rules governing matching contributions and in-kind support. Quick Response Grants Quick Response Grants provide assistance of up to $2,000 for eligible applicants. This stream may be suitable for time-sensitive opportunities that cannot reasonably wait for the next annual funding round.

Examples may include:

- Professional development opportunities. - Short-notice training. - Participation in an arts conference. - Travel connected to an eligible creative opportunity. - Immediate project-development needs. - Access to specialist mentoring. - Emerging collaboration opportunities. Applicants should confirm the eligible purposes, application timing, assessment process, and available budget under the current Quick Response Grants guidelines. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

- Individual professional artists. - Emerging artists. - Arts workers. - Cultural workers. - Project coordinators. - Incorporated arts organisations. - Incorporated cultural organisations. - Unincorporated organisations sponsored by an incorporated body. Applicants should be based within the Bundaberg Regional Council area or demonstrate that the proposed project will provide a clear benefit to the region.

Eligibility for Individual Applicants

Individual applicants should be able to demonstrate that they are professional or emerging artists, arts workers, cultural workers, or project coordinators.

Evidence may include:

- Relevant qualifications or training. - Previous artistic work. - Exhibitions or performances. - Publications or productions. - Professional experience. - Participation in arts networks. - Recognition from peers. - An artistic portfolio. - A history of cultural or creative practice. Applicants should review the official guidelines for any requirements concerning age, Australian Business Numbers, insurance, taxation, or auspicing.

Eligibility for Organisations

Incorporated arts and cultural organisations may apply directly. Unincorporated organisations must be sponsored or auspiced by an eligible incorporated body. The sponsoring body may be responsible for: - Entering into the funding agreement. - Receiving and managing grant funds. - Maintaining financial records. - Ensuring compliance with grant conditions. - Supporting project reporting and acquittal. Applicants should establish the sponsorship arrangement before applying and clearly explain the responsibilities of each party. Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must either:

- Be based in the Bundaberg Regional Council area; or - Demonstrate that the proposed project will deliver a meaningful benefit to the Bundaberg region. Applicants from outside the region should provide clear evidence of local partnerships, participation, activities, audiences, or cultural outcomes. What Types of Projects May Be Supported? Eligible arts and cultural projects may include: - Exhibitions. - Performances. - Festivals. - Community arts initiatives. - Workshops and masterclasses. - Creative development. - Public art. - Music, theatre, dance, or visual arts projects. - Literature and storytelling. - Film and digital media. - Cultural heritage activities. - First Nations arts and cultural projects. - Artist residencies. - Professional development. - Mentorships. - Collaborative cultural projects. - Projects engaging children or young people. - Initiatives involving culturally diverse communities. All proposals should align with local cultural priorities and provide clear benefits to the Bundaberg community. Professional and Emerging Artists RADF supports both established professionals and artists