Ipswich-based music creatives can apply for funding through the RADF Professional Development initiative to attend BIGSOUND 2026 as an Ipswich delegate.

Successful applicants will receive funding for one BIGSOUND Delegate Pass, providing full access to the BIGSOUND 2026 program and conference activities (18+ only).

Before applying, please review the application requirements and apply through SmartyGrants: All applicants will be required to answer key questions:

• Who you are and what you do (75 words)
• Why attending BIGSOUND will support your creative practice (250 words)
• What you hope to bring back to the Ipswich music scene (150 words)
• You will also need to upload a CV, Electronic Press Kit (EPK) or Professional Statement as part of your application.

Key Dates:

Applications open until 17 August 2026 11:59 pm.

Funding is available to support significant opportunities and structured professional development activities. Significant opportunities may include participation in residencies, prizes or competitions, and industry events, while structured professional development could involve courses or mentoring. A First Nations Elder or Knowledge Keeper may be considered a mentor.

Applicants must demonstrate that the project is competitive, selective, and/or time-sensitive.

Projects must align with one of the following categories:

• Professional Development/Careers: Opportunities that strategically advance or enhance the artistic or professional careers of individuals, groups, or arts organisations. This includes participating in residencies, prizes, industry events, or professionalising artistic activities through consulting and professional services such as editing, writing, photography, PR/marketing/graphic design, visitor insights, project evaluation, and more.
• Professional Development/Skills:
  Structured activities that strategically build or enhance artistic or professional skills for individuals, groups, or arts organisations. This includes mentoring, courses, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning. A First Nations Elder or Knowledge Keeper can serve as a mentor.

Funding of up to $2,000 is available, with applications open from February to November each year.

Please review the guidelines for further details on eligibility and application requirements.

Click here to apply for RADF Professional Development Grant.

Funding supports the delivery of related exhibitions, residencies and/or workshops. Funding is available exclusively to artists and creatives who received an opportunity with one of the following:

• The Ipswich Community Gallery
• Hatchery 4305
• Ipswich Art Workshop

Funding up to $2,000 with applications open between February and November each year.

Please review the guidelines for all details in relation to this fund.

Click here to apply for the RADF Time and Space grant.

Funding was available for professional development, research and the making of new work, performances, exhibitions and other public displays of creative work and community/audience development.

Projects needed to align with one of these categories:

• Professional Development/Careers: opportunities that strategically develop or enhance artistic or professional careers for individuals, groups or arts organisations. This included participating in residencies, prizes or industry events and/or professionalising existing artistic activities through consulting and professional services such as editing, writing, photography, PR/marketing/graphic design, visitor insights, project evaluation, etc. Applicants were required to demonstrate that the project was selective, competitive and/or relevant and timely.
• Professional Development/Skills: structured activities that strategically develop or enhance artistic or professional skills for individuals, groups or arts organisations. This includes mentoring, courses, workshops and peer-to-peer learning. A First Nations Elder or Knowledge Keeper can be considered a mentor. Applicants are required to demonstrate that the project is selective, competitive and/or relevant and timely. - New Work: research and making activities toward the creation of new work intended for public dissemination or display.
• Performances and Exhibitions: live performances, art exhibitions, gigs, book launches, poetry readings and/or other public displays of creative work.
• Community and/or Audience Development: community and audience participation activities including workshops, tours, artist trails; and/or community and audience development activities such as audience research, relationship-building, communication planning, access and inclusion initiatives, etc.

Funding of up to $15,000 was available, with applications accepted from 1 April to 30 April 2026.