What’s happening?
Artists, creatives and cultural practitioners across the Rockhampton Region can now apply for Round 1 of the 2026/27 Regional Arts Development Fund program.
The funding is open to projects starting after 10 August 2026 and supports work that builds creative skills, involves local communities and contributes to the region’s arts and cultural sector.
Applications are available across two funding categories, Development Grants and Project Grants. Support is open to many creative fields, including visual arts, design, theatre, music, dance, writing, digital arts, cultural heritage and community arts.
Museums, collections, festivals, cultural events and public arts activities may also qualify. Applications close on 29 July 2026.
Why it matters?
RADF funding gives local artists and cultural groups practical support to develop ideas, improve their skills and present work to the community.
For many regional creatives, project costs can limit access to professional training, mentoring, production support and public opportunities. These grants can help cover part of those expenses while allowing artists to continue developing their practice.
Projects must show artistic merit and contribute to cultural development, professional growth or greater community participation in the arts. The program also supports new artistic work and wider access to cultural experiences across the region.
Local Impact
The funding could support a wide range of activities across Rockhampton, from exhibitions and live performances to public art, workshops and cultural celebrations.
Local artists may also seek funding for mentoring, training, research, concept development or creative experimentation. These activities can help practitioners build experience before presenting new work to a public audience.
Community groups and cultural organisations may use Project Grants to deliver activities with clear local benefits. This could include festivals, collaborative projects and arts programs that bring residents together.
Prospective applicants can view previously successful projects on Rockhampton Regional Council’s website before preparing their submission.
By the numbers
- Development Grants provide up to $5,000 and can cover up to 65% of eligible project costs for professional and artistic development.
- Project Grants offer up to $10,000 and can fund up to 80% of eligible costs for public arts and cultural projects.
- Quick Response Grants provide up to $1,000 and can cover up to 65% of costs for eligible activities outside annual funding rounds.
Zoom In
Development Grants focus on the growth of individual artists and creative practitioners. Funding may be used for mentoring, workshops, training, cultural exchange, creative research and the development of new work.
These grants may also support concept development and artistic experimentation, giving creatives room to test ideas or improve their professional practice.
Project Grants are designed for public-facing activities that provide community benefits. Eligible projects may include exhibitions, performances, festivals, public art, workshops and cultural celebrations.
Creative collaborations may also qualify when they support local participation and meet the program’s artistic and community goals.
Zoom Out
The Regional Arts Development Fund is delivered through a partnership between Rockhampton Regional Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
The program supports regional arts and cultural activity across Queensland by helping communities produce local work, support artists and improve access to creative experiences.
It also aims to grow local creative industries, encourage cultural participation and recognise regional identity and heritage.
Quick Response Grants remain available throughout the year for suitable projects that need support outside the scheduled funding rounds.
What To Look For Next?
Rockhampton creatives have until 29 July 2026 to prepare and submit their applications, with funded projects able to begin after 10 August 2026.
Applicants can review earlier successful projects and the full funding guidelines through Rockhampton Regional Council’s RADF webpage.
Further advice is available by calling Council on 4932 9000 or emailing RADF@rrc.qld.gov.au.
