Scenic Rim creatives encouraged to get RADF ready

RADF grants help to bring a range of creative projects to life
Navigating the grants applications process is not everyone's cup of tea, which is why Scenic Rim Regional Council will be hosting morning coffee and information sessions to help members of the creative community maximise their chances of securing support through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Submissions for funding for RADF grants for 2025-2026 open on 1 July and Council's Cultural Services team is keen to assist creatives in coming months to ensure their applications have the best chance of funding success.
Throughout April 2025, Council's RADF liaison officer will be visiting Scenic Rim secondary schools to connect with art teachers and their students and holding coffee and grant sessions across the region.
Scenic Rim's Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer urged members of the creative community to take the time to maximise their chances of receiving grants for their projects.
"Now is the time for those considering applying for RADF grants to find out about the types of funding available under the program and ensuring their projects meet the grants criteria," she said.
Since 1991, the Regional Arts Development Fund has been a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council to support local arts and culture.
It has not only helped launch creative careers but also enriched the wider Scenic Rim community, providing employment opportunities and positive economic outcomes for the region.
Grants are available in the three categories of Big Ideas, Launch Pad and Express Lane.
Big Ideas grant applications will be awarded to projects which address at least one of the four categories of: valuing young people, supporting local artists, supporting First Nations artists and enhancing the Scenic Rim's towns and villages.
Launch Pad grants aim to assist aspiring artists aged 16 to 25 in their arts practice and help get their projects off the ground, while Express Lane Grants support professional development opportunities for local artists or cultural workers.
Cr Cryer urged members of the creative community to draw on the funding available through the RADF program.
"We have a wealth of creative talent in the Scenic Rim and RADF grants provide an opportunity to bring a wide range of projects to life," she said.
Information sessions will be held at the following locations on these dates:
- Spice of Life, Main Street, Tamborine Mountain, Monday 7 April 10.00am-12.00pm
- Café Metz, Canungra, Monday 7 April, 1.00pm-3.00pm
- Arthur Clive's, Boonah, Thursday 10 April, 9.30am-11.30am
- Arthur Clive's, Aratula, Thursday 10 April, 12.00pm-1.30pm
- Wiss Emporium, Kalbar, Thursday 1 April, 2.00pm-4.00pm
- VK Everydays, Beaudesert, Wednesday 16 April, 1.00pm-3.00pm
- Billabong Café, Kooralbyn, Wednesday 16 April, 10.00am-12.00pm.
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.”