Creative Industries Investment Program (Australia)

The program is jointly funded through The Sunshine Coast Arts and Heritage Levy and the Sunshine Coast Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

Program Priorities 

• Support and deliver a diverse and accessible program of arts experiences for the Sunshine Coast community and visitors, including creative placemaking, public art, festivals, events and participatory and immersive opportunities
• Build local engagement and support for the arts
• Promote local artists and arts experiences to build the visibility of artists and the region
• Portray First Nations creative activity in an authentic and contemporary way that is reflective of country and respectful of cultural authority
• Support and develop First Nations curators, producers, directors and performers to enable First Nations led initiatives including the development of contemporary work
• Develop the reputation of the Sunshine Coast as a creative destination to live, work and visit
• Support and deliver diverse and relevant professional development initiatives

Funding Information

• It is recommended that requests for funding are between $5,000 and $20,000 per year for up to three years.
• More significant funding may be available for an initiative that demonstrates existing and ongoing significant cultural benefit to the region. Applications for more than $20,000 must be discussed with council’s Creative Development Team before any application for funding is made.

Who can apply? 

• Registered not-for-profit organisations
• Groups and collectives
• Businesses Applicants must:
  • Operate within the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area or demonstrate the project or program will benefit residents of the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area
  • Have appropriate insurance and adhere to sound workplace health and safety practices
  • Be able to demonstrate viability and good governance practices
  • Have no debt to council, or entered into scheduled payment arrangements with Council, which are being met
  • Have met all acquittal conditions of previous Council grants

Who cannot apply? 

• Government agencies or departments of local, state or federal government
• Educational, religious or medical organisations, where the application is for the organisation’s core business
• Individuals

What is not eligible for funding? 

• One-off projects
• Ongoing organisational operational or recurrent expenses
• Entertainment for events without a specific developmental outcome for artists
• A competition, a prize or an eisteddfod, unless it demonstrates clear benefit for local arts ecology and contemporary practice in the region
• Costs of purchase of capital items e.g. equipment, building or vehicles
• Infrastructure works
• Payment of debt
• Projects run solely for commercial profit
• Items included in another grant application
• Projects run solely for fundraising purposes, without broader cultural benefit.

For more information, visit Sunshine Coast Regional Council.