Regional Arts Development Fund
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is delivered as a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and eligible local councils across the state.
RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. RADF invests in local arts and cultural priorities, as determined by local communities, across Queensland.
There are five categories of funding available for individuals, groups, organisations and council:
- Professional development
- Projects and programs
- oncept development/creation of new work
- Green arts
- Young people
RADF is managed by the Arts Development Officer in partnership with the RADF Community Committee based on locally determined priorities identified through our Arts and Culture Strategy 2025-2030(PDF, 81KB)
RADF will only fund up to 65 per cent of the total expenditure in any one application unless otherwise specified.
Always check the guidelines for eligibility and priorities before applying:
Rounds for 2026/2027
ROUND ONE
- Opens June 15, 2026 and closes September 25, 2026 for projects starting after November 16, 2026.
ROUND TWO
- Opens December 7, 2026 and closes April 7, 2027 for projects that start after May 30, 2027.
Plan your project
Project proposal and planning
Budget preparation
Public art guidelines and applications
How to apply
Getting Started To access available Mackay Regional Council Grants, to https://mackay.smartygrants.com.au
If you haven’t already created a free Smarty Grants profile by going to the “Log in” on the top left of the screen and then select the register here link.
To start your application, select the current RADF round that will be open, it is listed under the section ‘Current Rounds’ please note there may be several different grants open on this page, be sure to select the right one.
If you have any questions or issues about your application, please call or email the Arts Development Officer: creative@mackay@qld.gov.au or call 1300 MACKAY
Prepare your application
Grant writing support
Writing a letter of support
Artist CVs and professional materials
Support material (images, video, documentation)
Deliver your project
Risk management
Accessibility and inclusion
- Companion Card Program https://www.companioncard.gov.au/
- Hidden Disabilities Accessibility
Cultural protocols and First Nations engagement
Evaluate and promote your project
Project evaluation
Surveys and feedback
Professional practice and sector resources
Payment guides and fair pay
Arts worker resources
National cultural policy
- Revive – National Cultural Policy https://www.arts.gov.au/publications/national-cultural-policy-revive
Other funding sources
Council links and information
RADF Committee
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee plays an important role in supporting the growth and sustainability of arts and culture across the Mackay region. The committee assesses each rounds applications and provides recommendations for funding to Council.
The RADF Committee:
- Assesses RADF grant applications against program objectives and funding criteria
- Provides strategic advice on local arts and cultural development priorities
- Supports transparent, equitable and accountable decision-making
- Advocates for strong arts and cultural outcomes within the region
Committee Membership
The committee is comprised of representatives with experience and knowledge across a range of arts, cultural and community sectors. Membership aims to reflect the diversity of the region and its creative practices.
Community members with relevant skills, experience or a strong interest in arts and culture are encouraged to apply.
Expressions of Interest
From time to time, Council invites Expressions of Interest from community members interested in joining the RADF Committee.
Please submit your expression of interest here:
Meet the current RADF committee
Previous successful applicants