The Arts Development Fund fosters professional pathways and skills development for the Gold Coast's creative community, contributing to our city's vibrant lifestyle.
The Arts Development Fund has 2 categories: Arts Projects and Arts Partnerships.
Arts projects
Professional development
Funding up to $2000 available.
Professional development opportunities must clearly expand your practice and support your career. Eligible opportunities must be offered by recognised arts and cultural peak bodies. This includes national and international invitations to showcase your practice in any artform. Applicants must provide evidence of acceptance or an official invitation from the host organisation.
This grant stream is designed to be responsive to short-notice, high-impact arts and cultural opportunities, such as:
- conferences
- workshops
- festival line-ups
- international tours
- curated exhibitions
- panellist invitations
- selection in prestigious awards
- structured mentorships and residencies.
Applications close: 30 September 2026 (or earlier if funds are fully allocated).
Read FAQs and important information for applicants and apply now.
Small grants
Funding up to $5000 available.
The grant aims to encourage creative risk taking and experimentation.
This grant supports projects needing smaller levels of funding for arts and culture-based activity.
- This is not a quick response grant.
- It is peer-assessed by an external independent Arts Development Fund Committee.
Read FAQs and important information for applicants and apply now.
Applications close: 30 September 2026.
Arts partnerships
Arts Partnerships grants provide multi-year operational funding to grow local arts and cultural organisations, arts groups, companies. The funding allows recipients to develop sustainable practice, entrepreneurship, artistic excellence and cultural leadership.
Arts partnerships grant applications are closed. The next round opens in 2028.
How to apply
For details on who can apply, eligibility criteria and how to submit your application, please read the following documents.
Arts Development Fund Guidelines(PDF, 394KB)
2025-26 successful recipients
The Arts Development Fund delivered a record amount of grants in 2025 -26, supporting 18 Professional Development Grants and 34 projects across Small and Major Grants.
Successful Arts Development Fund applicants 2025-26(PDF, 118KB)
Contact us
Email: artsdevfund@goldcoast.qld.gov.au