Applications Invited for Regional Arts Development Fund

Innovative and creative projects within the Southern Downs region will come alive as part of one of the State’s most active arts programs, the Regional Arts Development Fund, known as RADF.

The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Southern Downs Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Council was successful in receiving $55,000 of funding from the State Government, which will be combined with a Council contribution of $45,000 to provide a total funding pool of $100,000 for this financial year’s RADF program.

Throughout previous years Council’s RADF grants have included exciting and diverse projects such as street art projects, creation of a book about the personal experiences of two local WW2 Heroes, professional cultural artists and entertainers working at a multicultural carnival, and photography workshops to develop the skills of the region's aspiring photographers.

Queensland Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) delivered on the Queensland Government’s commitment to foster diverse and inclusive communities, grow strong regions and provide training, education, and employment opportunities for Queenslanders. 

“The Queensland Government is contributing $2.08 million to leverage up to $1.92 million from local councils resulting in up to $4 million available to support arts and cultural activities throughout the state in 2016–17,” said the Premier.

Council’s first RADF round will open for applications on Monday 16 January 2017. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 10 February 2017, and it is important for applicants to note that projects for which RADF grant funds are sought must not start before 27 March 2017.

The RADF application package and program guidelines will be available on Council’s website from Friday 13 January 2017.