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Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

Home > Funding > Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

What is the RADF Program?

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports the professional development and employment of arts and cultural workers in regional Queensland. RADF is a partnership between State Government, through Arts Queensland, and your local government.

What is Funded?

One-off, short term projects that offer professional arts, cultural and heritage opportunities.

How does RADF work?

Your local council bids for an annual allocation of funding for the region from Arts Queensland. This allocation is managed by your local council through a locally run RADF grants program. Local artists and cultural workers can apply to RADF under the categories of:

  • Developing regional skills
  • Building community cultural capacity
  • Interest-free arts loan
  • Cultural tourism
  • Contemporary collections/stories
  • Concept development
  • Arts policy development and implementation

Applications are assessed by a publicly elected committee against criteria based on RADF Program guidelines and priorities identified in each council's arts and cultural policy and corporate plan.

How to apply?

Applications for RADF grants should be made through your local council. Contact your council's RADF Liaison Officer for copies of the RADF grant application kit, information regarding guidelines, funding criteria and closing dates.

Definitions: What is a Professional Arts and Cultural Worker?

A professional arts and cultural worker:

  • Has specialist training in his/her field (not necessarily in academic institutions);
  • Is recognised by his/her peers (professional practitioners working in the artform area);
  • Is committed to devoting significant time to the artistic activity; and
  • Has a history of public presentation.

An emerging professional arts and cultural worker:

  • Has had no more than five years experience as a professional artist.
  • See also the definition of "professional artist".

What are the eligibility requirements?

The following categories of individuals and organisations can apply for a RADF grant:

  • Individual professional artists, artsworkers, cultural workers or project coordinators who:
    • are based in the local council area, or if based outside the local council area are able to demonstrate how the project will directly benefit arts and culture in the local council area
    • are permanent residents or Australian citizens
  • Incorporated cultural organisations based in the local council area, or those based outside the local council area that are able to demonstrate how the project will directly benefit arts and culture in the local council area.
  • Unincorporated organisations, auspiced by an incorporated body, that are based in the local council area, or those based outside the local council area that are able to demonstrate how the project will directly benefit arts and culture in the local council area.

All artists listed in a RADF grant application are required to satisfy their status as a professional or emerging professional artist using the Eligibility Checklist form. These are to be attached to the application form.

What RADF Does Not Fund

For full details and exceptions of what is not eligible for funding through the RADF Program refer to page 2 of the RADF Guidelines – Information for Applicants (PDF 909KB). In summary:

  • Amateur arts.
  • Applicants who submit unsigned applications.
  • Applicants who have failed to acquit previous RADF grants.
  • Projects for which artsworkers are paid less than the recommended rates.
  • Activities that commence before Council approval is given.
  • Craft workshops.
  • Murals.
  • School arts activities.
  • Framing or freight.
  • Entertainment.
  • Competitions.
  • Eisteddfods.
  • Summer/Winter schools.
  • Publishing costs.
  • Purchase of capital items.
  • Recurrent funding for arts organisations.
  • Accredited study, training or university courses.
  • Workshops that are part of an organisation's 'core business'.

Other Sources of Funding

Funding for arts and cultural activities is also available from other government and community sources. Visit Other funding sources.

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