RADF grants available for creative arts projects

Redlands Coast residents with creative ideas they wish to develop are encouraged to apply for funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Redland City Council to support local arts and culture.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said funding up to $10,000 was available for a wide range of creative projects through round 1 of the 2024-2025 RADF program, which opens on 2 September 2024.

“This annual partnership underscores the significance of arts and culture on Redlands Coast,” the Mayor said.

“The grants support professional and emerging artists and art workers and help foster a thriving creative community that encourages partnerships and skills development.

“Last financial year, almost $84,000 in RADF grants were awarded to 11 local projects and I’m excited to see what initiatives our artistic community will come up with this year.”

A new RADF Assessment Panel was sworn in earlier this year, with members selected for their expertise in the arts and their understanding of developing creative industries in the region.

Panel members are: Andrea Smith – music and business; Elaine Seeto – community arts and cultural development; Jade Brider – theatre, dance and visual arts; Josephine Ellis – community arts and cultural development; Linda Muller – community arts and cultural development, business; Sachém – music and writing; and Vicki Whalan – visual arts, craft and design.

Council representatives on the panel are Cr Shane Rendalls (Division 5) as chair, and Cr Paul Bishop (Division 10).

Cr Rendalls said the RADF grants program aimed to support the activation of diverse creative experiences that transcended traditional boundaries.

“This year’s program has a number of objectives, including encouraging professional development, collaboration and partnerships, and elevating First nations culture and communities,” Cr Rendalls said.

“It also aims to address diverse community needs such as an ageing and geographically dispersed population and disengaged young people.”

Cr Bishop encouraged applications that creatively empowered the local community to be culturally vibrant and connected.

“We are looking for projects that provide public value and help support a robust living culture on Redlands Coast,” Cr Bishop said.

“These projects should also foster an engaged and creative community across all art forms, whether through song, dance, music and theatre or visual arts, craft, writing and gaming.

“Please reach out to Council’s RADF Liaison Officer for more information about your project ideas.”

Applications for RADF 2024-25 Round 1 open on 2 September 2024 and close on 7 October 2024. A second round of funding will open in February 2025.

Six local projects were awarded a total of $50,000 funding in the previous round of RADF funding. They were:

Karen Lee Roberts – the development of a new cabaret exploring humorous and poignant stories of love and mishaps.Joanne Ariel – storytelling through short-format videos that capture the rich history and creativity of the bay islands.Adam James – creation of a documentary that showcases the rich cultural songlines of Redlands Coast.Dr Susan Davis – an immersive retreat and workshop program exploring the wildflower and plant heritage of the islands.Polish Ex-serviceman’s Association – a series of creative workshops to engage individuals of all abilities and cultural programs, fostering intergenerational connections.Redlands Sinfonia – the composition of three major orchestral works highlighting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Redlands.

For further information on RADF, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Redland City Council’s Grants and sponsorship webpage or contact Council’s RADF Liaison Officer on 3829 8656.