Applications open for grants to boost new Scenic Rim creative projects
Published on 15 July 2026
Applications are now open for Scenic Rim's 2026-2027 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants, supporting members of the local community in bringing their creative ideas to life.
Delivered through a partnership between Scenic Rim Regional Council and the Queensland Government, RADF represents an investment in projects that celebrate local identity, build creative capacity and support artists in delivering arts and cultural experiences across the region.
Grants provide a range of funding opportunities for creative projects, professional development and community partnerships that help strengthen the Scenic Rim’s arts and cultural sector while creating longer term social and economic benefits for the region.
Scenic Rim's Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer said the RADF continues to play an important role in supporting the Scenic Rim’s creative community.
"The Scenic Rim has an abundance of local artists, creatives and grassroots organisations with a wealth of talent who all play an important role in enriching our community through projects that inspire and connect," she said.
"Whether for a new exhibition, performance, public artwork, creative workshop or a heritage project, RADF grants create opportunities that benefit the entire region.
“By connecting people through artistic collaborations, we build skills, strengthen community relationships and celebrate the unique identity that makes the Scenic Rim a centre of creativity."
One of the major funding options is the Big Idea Partnership Grants offering up to $11,000 for innovative arts projects that demonstrate genuine collaboration between artists, community groups, organisations, businesses and Council.
The program places partnerships at the centre of every project, recognising that the strongest creative outcomes are achieved when communities work together to share ideas, skills and resources.
Projects may include collaborations with schools, libraries, cultural organisations, First Nations representatives, local businesses, community groups or neighbouring councils, with the aim of creating a lasting legacy for both artists and the wider community.
The new Creative Scenic Rim Grants provide up to $7,000 to support projects that celebrate and strengthen the Scenic Rim’s distinctive arts, culture and heritage.
These include projects that preserve local stories and collections, develop new artistic work, activate public spaces, celebrate First Nations culture and create accessible cultural experiences that foster community pride, social connection and a strong sense of place for residents and visitors.
Submissions for the Big Idea Partnership Grants and the Creative Scenic Rim Grants close on 2 September 2026.
In addition to the major funding rounds, applicants can also access the Launch Pad Young Creatives Grants, for emerging artists and producers aged 16 to 25 years, and Express Lane Quick Response Grants, supporting professional development opportunities, throughout the year.
Last financial year, the RADF supported a wide range of projects across the Scenic Rim which helped local artists further develop their careers, created new opportunities for community participation and showcased the region's creative talent.
"This included helping Scenic Rim singer-songwriter Lyric to perform on the nationally recognised Spilt Milk 2025 tour, supporting Canungra’s The 4275 Collective to deliver affordable community art workshops and assisting numerous musicians with recording albums," Cr Cryer said.
"Other successful projects included Boonah Arts Society's Boonah in Bloom Café Canvas Residency, GTM Music Studios' Youth on Show events for young performers, the development of Celia Broadhurst's explorative jewellery collection and Jen Robson's new art and textile range, celebrating the Scenic Rim's unique landscapes and endangered native flora."
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has an impressive track record of supporting local arts and cultural programs across Queensland communities.
“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.”
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Scenic Rim Regional Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
For grant guidelines, eligibility information and application forms, visit https://creativescenicrim.com/event/35375832-a/open-now-radf-grants
Attached image: Previous Scenic Rim RADF grants recipients The Inadequates