Regional Arts Development Fund grants

Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants are open to artists, arts organisations and arts workers in Cairns to develop creative works and projects that add to the cultural and artistic vitality of our region. There are five grant streams within the program and emerging, developing and established artists, and artists with disability are welcome to apply.

Before you apply

Applicants must contact the RADF liaison officer, read the RADF guidelines, information about the specific grant for which they are applying and discuss their project with Council's RADF liaison officer before submitting an application.

Email the RADF liaison officer Read the RADF Guidelines

RADF Major Round Grant

Next round opens September and closes October for projects from 1 January 2027
Up to $12,000

Small Arts Grant

Open all year
For resources to support arts practice
Up to $500

Flame.Arts Access Program Leg Up Grant

Open all year
For projects by and for young people, First Nations people and people with disability
Up to $1500

Individual Professional Development Grant

Open all year
For professional development activities
Up to $1500

RADF is delivered as a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and eligible local councils across the state. It 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.

Council's RADF Committee assesses applications and provides recommendations and advice. Applications are assessed against a set of criteria based on key performance outcomes provided by Arts Queensland and the locally-determined Arts and Cultural Development Policy.

Last Updated: 21 April 2026

Latest News > All News

Experience Cairns

About Council

Property & Business

Water, Waste & Roads

Community & Environment

Pay, Report, Apply