The Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund (IRADF) program is a partnership between Arts Queensland and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

IRADF ensures Indigenous communities in regional and remote areas of Queensland have access to arts and cultural services.

IRADF, which commenced in 1998, provides funding to support the development of Indigenous art, artists and cultural workers through arts and cultural activities that keep culture strong, engage community members and support and encourage economic development and independence through the creation of employment for Indigenous artists and project managers.

IRADF allows participating councils and organisations to build on the arts and cultural strengths of Queensland’s diverse regions by funding projects that are most beneficial to local communities.

The program is offered on an annual basis and is managed by Arts Queensland's Regional Office in Cairns, whose officers work with host organisations and travel regularly to support program delivery on the ground in each Indigenous Community. Communities are invited to make application for funds, which are then assessed by a panel and at least one industry expert on indigenous art and culture.

The Thaaworre Mungkan weavers in Pormpuraaw, where younger family members go out with elders collecting and preparing bush material to produce traditional weaving, is a project that received IRADF funding in 2007-08 and a great example of how IRADF helps to keep culture strong in a community.

Interested Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers in regional areas should contact their local council for information on how to access funding or  please phone the Arts Queensland office in Cairns: 07 4048 1411 or in Brisbane: 1800 175 531

IRADF funding for 2009-2010 view statement