More support for Fraser Coast’s creative community
Published on 22 July 2026
- $50,000 available to support local arts, culture and heritage projects
- Applications for Regional Arts Development Fund 2026-27 open from 29 July
- Grants available for artists, creatives and community organisations
Fraser Coast artists, creatives and community organisations will soon be able to apply for a share of $50,000 in funding to deliver projects that celebrate local stories, develop creative skills and bring arts experiences to the community.
Council today endorsed the 2026-27 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Community Funding Program as part of a broader $120,000 investment in local arts and culture delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Fraser Coast Regional Council Arts and Culture spokesperson Cr Sara Souvlis said the program helped local artists and creative organisations turn ideas into projects that benefit the whole community.
“The Fraser Coast has an incredibly talented creative community, and these grants help turn great ideas into projects that enrich our region," she said.
“The funding can support everything from professional development and workshops to exhibitions, performances and community projects that celebrate our stories and connect people through creativity.
“Arts and culture play an important role in creating vibrant communities, strengthening our local identity and supporting our creative economy, and this program helps ensure those opportunities continue to grow."
The RADF Community Funding Program offers grants across three categories:
- Participate – grants of up to $1,000 to help local artists build their skills through professional development opportunities;
- Develop – grants of up to $3,000 to support projects that build creative skills and capacity; and
- Share – grants of up to $10,000 for projects that encourage the Fraser Coast community to participate in and celebrate arts, culture and heritage.
Recent RADF-supported projects have included the Where I Belong Art Story Wall in Hervey Bay, the Best of Broadway concert by the Fraser Coast Orchestra, Mindful Mandalas art workshops and intergenerational film-making projects inspired by Mary Poppins.
Alongside the community grants, the 2026-27 RADF program includes $70,000 to deliver strategic Council-led arts initiatives aligned with the Fraser Coast Arts and Culture Strategy.
Cr Souvlis encouraged anyone with a creative idea that would benefit the Fraser Coast community to consider applying.
“Whether you're an emerging artist looking to develop your skills or an organisation planning a project that brings people together through arts and culture, we'd love to hear your ideas," she said.
“The Cultural Services team is available to help applicants understand the program and develop their proposals, so I encourage people to get in touch and explore what's possible.”
Applications open on 29 July 2026 and can be submitted throughout the year until 29 March 2027, with funding assessed across three rounds, subject to available funding. Projects must commence after 21 September 2026.
For more information, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, visit https://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/radf