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.
RADF Major Round Grant
- Next round opens 4 September 2026 and closes 9 October 2026 for projects from 1 January 2027
- Up to $12,000
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: 9 July 2026
Latest News > All News
Cairns leads Queensland in mobile phone recycling
Cairns residents have helped the region top Queensland for mobile phone recycling....
7 September 2026
Lots on for Cairns Festival's final weekend
With Cairns Festival heading into its final weekend, residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to experience live music, theatre,...
4 September 2026
King tides expected in Cairns from Sunday
King tides are expected to affect Cairns from Sunday 6 September to Friday 11 September....
4 September 2026