Got an idea for an arts project? RADF might be able to help!
Published on 15 January 2026
If you have an idea for an arts project, the Rockhampton Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) may be able to help.
The latest round of RADF is now open and applications are being sought for projects that will commence after Wednesday 11 March 2026.
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Rockhampton Regional Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Funding comes under two categories – Development Grant and Project Grant
Development grants for artists and arts workers cover: professional career development, skills development workshops, concept development and creative development of new work. Assistance is available for up to 65 percent of the total costs to a maximum of $5000.
Project Grants cover: artistic components of exhibitions, performances, festivals and events, public presentations. Assistance is available for up to 80 percent of the total cost to a maximum of $10,000
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, our 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.
“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies. The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”
Rockhampton Regional Council Communities, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Cr Drew Wickerson said:
“The Regional Arts Development Fund is a great initiative that helps to develop our region’s artists and provide them with opportunities that may not be available in regional communities.
“It’s a grass roots funding program, with a local selection committee, which enables decisions to be made at a local level to suit the priorities of our community,” he said.
“RADF welcomes applications from all genres whether it is visual arts, crafts, performing arts, collections and museums, new media and more..
“In previous, projects that received RADF funding included engaging professional tutors for workshops to benefit groups of local artists; assisting a local festival to engage artists to provide public arts workshops; and helping to offset venue hire fees for a public performance by local community musicians.
“I am very excited to see what projects are proposed for the next round,” he said.
“I recommend that anyone considering an arts project have a look at the case studies of recent RADF funding rounds to see the kinds of applications that have been successful. These are available on the RADF page of Council’s web site” he said.
Rockhampton Regional Council’s website has information on previously successful RADF applications which current applicants might find helpful.
Quick responses grants are also available for any project or activity that requires funding outside the grant rounds with assistance available for up to 65 percent of the total costs to a maximum of $1000.
Applications are now being accepted for projects commencing on or after Wednesday 11 March 2026.
Applications close Friday 13 February 2026.
For more information, visit www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/RADF or contact Rockhampton Regional Council on 4932 9000 or email RADF@rrc.qld.gov.au.