Regional Arts Development Fund

What is RADF?

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is delivered as a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and eligible local councils across the state.

RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. RADF invests in local arts and cultural priorities, as determined by local communities, across Queensland.

RADF is a flexible fund, enabling local councils to tailor RADF programs to suit the needs of their community.

How does RADF operate in my local community?

The Arts Development Officer is the RADF Liaison Officer for the program and manages it in partnership with an RADF Community Committee, receiving support as required from the broader Community Development team.

A community funding pool is offered annually over three rounds. Each round, applications are assessed by a committee of community volunteers – the RADF Advisory Committee.

RADF will only fund up to 65% of the total expenditure in any one application unless otherwise specified.

There are six categories of funding available for individuals, groups, organisations and council:

  • Professional development
  • Projects and programs
  • Community wellbeing
  • Concept development
  • Green arts
  • Young people

RADF Guidelines are based on locally determined priorities identified through our Arts and Cultural Plan 2016-2020.

You can access our 2023/2024 RADF Guidelines here.

Other helpful planning guides:

Community Funding Rounds for 2023/2024

ROUND ONE

ROUND TWO

ROUND THREE

  • OPEN
  • Closes Wednesday, May 8, 2024, for projects commencing after Monday, June 17, 2024

Completing your application

The RADF Liaison Officers (Arts Development Officers - Job Share) prepare guidelines and information sheets to help applicants determine if they are eligible to apply for funding and answer any questions they may have.

All applications are submitted online via Smarty Grants.

When Rounds are OPEN you will be able to access them via Smarty Grants.

There are help guides for applicants available to assist you through the online application process and the Arts Development Officers are available to provide applicant support prior to each round closing.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Arts Development Officers - Job Share, for advice and/or feedback prior to submitting your application form.

PLEASE NOTE: Contact must be made at least seven days prior to the submissions due date. Applicant support during the week submissions are due will only be available to applicants who have already been receiving support.

For more information speak with the Arts Development Officer/s by calling 1300 MACKAY or via email creative@mackay.qld.gov.au

RADF Committee

RADF applications are assessed by a committee made up of representation from local community members and chaired by a representative from local council. The committee represents diversity in arts practice, expertise and locality.

The Committee meets three times per year to assess RADF applications, and RADF Advisory Committee members may also represent the RADF Program at events in the community from time to time.

We also offer RADF recipients an opportunity to be linked with a RADF Committee member to provide some peer support for the duration of the funded project or program. You can find more information about this here.

Committee members serve on the RADF Advisory Committee for a maximum of three years, with an option to step down after one year.

Committee Nominations are not currently open. If you would like more information about the RADF Advisory Committee, please contact Arts Development Officers Bonnie (4961 9623) or Fiona (4961 9554) or via email creative@mackay.qld.gov.au

If you would like to apply to be on the RADF Advisory Committee you can prepare for this by reading the RADF Committee Nomination Form

The Nomination Form can be accessed via smartygrants.

Previous successful applicants