Submit Entries for Regional Arts Development Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 25-Sep-2026

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in the Mackay Regional Council area provides grants of up to $13,000 for arts, culture, heritage, creative development, environmental arts, and youth-focused projects. RADF can fund up to 65% of eligible project costs, with applicants required to provide at least 35% co-contribution, including eligible in-kind support. The 2026/2027 priorities include local creative content, cultural tourism, professional development, inclusive arts, placemaking, green arts, and creative opportunities for young people. What Is the Regional Arts Development Fund? The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a Queensland Government and local council partnership delivered through Arts Queensland and participating councils. In the Mackay Regional Council area, the program supports artists, creative practitioners, cultural organisations, community groups and other eligible applicants to develop projects that provide public cultural value and strengthen the local creative sector. The fund recognises arts, culture and heritage as important contributors to: RADF funding can cover up to 65% of the total eligible project costs. Applicants must contribute at least 35% of total project costs. Eligible in-kind contributions may count toward this contribution where permitted. For example, if a project costs $20,000:

RADF contribution: up to $13,000

Applicant contribution: at least $7,000

Total project cost: $20,000

The requested RADF amount should therefore be supported by a realistic project budget and evidence of the applicant’s capacity to provide the required contribution. Who Is Eligible? The program can support a broad range of applicants connected to the Mackay Regional Council area. Applicants must generally meet the relevant residency, regional benefit and citizenship requirements. Applicants should reside in the Mackay Regional Council area or demonstrate a clear and meaningful benefit to the Mackay community. Eligible individuals are required to be Australian citizens or permanent residents and generally need an ABN or an eligible auspice arrangement. An auspice arrangement can allow an eligible organisation to formally support an applicant or project where the applicant does not independently meet certain administrative requirements. What Makes a Strong RADF Project? A competitive application should clearly explain what will happen, who will benefit, why the project matters and how it will be delivered. Projects should avoid being purely individual activities with limited public or community value unless they clearly fit an eligible professional development or creative development category. What Activities Are Not Eligible? Certain activities are excluded from RADF funding.

Examples include:

Projects that do not involve appropriate First Nations or cultural leadership or partnership where such involvement is relevant Activities that begin before funding approval School arts activities unless they form part of a broader community development initiative

Key priorities: Creative development, cultural tourism, inclusion, lifelong learning, placemaking, environmental arts and youth creativity

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Mackay Regional Arts Development Fund? The Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and local council partnership that provides funding for arts, cultural and heritage activities that benefit communities and strengthen regional creative capacity. How much can I apply for through Mackay RADF? Applicants can request up to $13,000. RADF funding can cover up to 65% of eligible project costs, meaning applicants must provide at least 35% of the total project cost. Who can apply for Mackay RADF? Eligible applicants can include individual artists, producers, creative practitioners, organisations, businesses, groups, collectives and registered not-for-profit organisations that meet the program’s geographic and citizenship or residency requirements. Can young people apply for RADF funding? Yes. The Young People category supports individuals aged 12 to 25 through creative career pathways and peer-led creative projects. Can RADF fund environmental arts projects? Yes. The Green Arts category supports environmentally focused creative projects, including projects that highlight local biodiversity and environmental issues. Can RADF fund projects that have already started? Generally, no. Activities that commence before the required funding approval are ineligible. Applicants should wait for approval before beginning the funded project. What are Mackay’s RADF priorities for 2026/2027? The priorities include locally driven creative content and cultural tourism, lifelong learning and career development, accessible and inclusive arts, cultural tourism, and placemaking initiatives that activate and transform local spaces. Conclusion The Mackay Regional Arts Development Fund 2026/2027 offers grants of up to $13,000 for eligible arts, culture, heritage and creative projects that provide public value in the Mackay Regional Council area. With funding covering up to 65% of eligible costs, the program can help artists, creative practitioners, organisations, community groups and young people develop new work, build skills, strengthen cultural participation and contribute to Mackay’s creative economy. The strongest applications will demonstrate creative quality, local relevance, community reach, measurable impact and financial viability, while clearly aligning with the 2026/2027 RADF priorities.