Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program

Artists: Varsha Rose, Jami Honey, Noah McDonald and Caroline Lieber

What is the Regional Arts Development Fund?

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mareeba Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. RADF drives social change and strengthens communities through community grants programs and council-led initiatives that:

  • Increase access to arts and cultural experiences in regional Queensland.
  • Grow employment and capacity building opportunities for artists across regional Queensland.
  • Deliver against local arts and cultural priorities and promote the value of arts, culture and heritage.

RADF 2025 Community Grant Round – Now Open for Applications

Mareeba Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Community Grant Round is now open for applications for community-led arts, culture and heritage activities.

Arts, cultural, heritage and community organisations, arts and cultural workers and artists may apply for grants up to $10,000 for community activities or up to $3,000 for individual professional development activities.

A wide range of activities may be funded, including but not limited to creative skill development workshops, performances, events, planning and development activities.

Projects that respond to the RADF local priorities will be highly regarded.

Refer to RADF Community Grant Round Guidelines for local funding priorities, eligibility and conditions.

Applications must be submitted by 31 August 2025.

How to Apply

  • Read the RADF Community Grant Guidelines & Local Priorities
  • Plan your Project
  • Talk to Council’s RADF Officer
  • Work out your Budget
  • Compile any Support Documents
  • Submit your Application by the Closing Date

Forms & Links

Key Dates

1 July 2025 Grant Round Opens for Applications
31 August 2025 Closing Date for Applications
Sept & Oct 2025 Applications reviewed by RADF Advisory Committee and Council
16 October 2025 Funding Announcement – Funded Activities may Commence
15 October 2026 Funded Activities Completed within 12 months

Need help with your Application?

Community grant applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MSC’s RADF Officer before submitting an application.

For more information, please contact MSC RADF Officer: phone 1300 308 461 or email communitywellbeing@msc.qld.gov.au

Alternatively, come to one of the Drop-in Sessions to talk to MSC RADF Officer about your project.  No reservation required.

  • Kuranda Library 2-5pm Thursday 17 July 2025
  • Mareeba Library 3-6pm Wednesday 30 July 2025

Centre for Australasian Theatre

What does the RADF Advisory Committee do?

The RADF Advisory Committee provides information and advice to Council about the development of the arts, culture and heritage sector in the Mareeba Shire.  The Committee actively assists in the implementation of the RADF Program by reviewing and assessing community grant applications against standard criteria and making recommendations for funding.

What projects have received a RADF Grant in the past?

A list of previous community grant recipients and community grant case studies are available to view below.