2026-27 Arts Development Fund Small Grants

Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at 12:00pm 30 September 2026 (AEST).

Important Information

2026-27 Arts Projects – Small Grants

Welcome to the City of Gold Coast (City) online Arts Development Fund grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants.

Before starting your application, please read this information carefully.

Talk to us first

We recommend you speak with a Senior Arts Officer before you apply.

You can:

Completing the application

It is strongly recommended that you have a clear plan and all required information, supporting documentations, quotes, partners confirmations and letter of support ready before starting. See Checklist: what evidence is required to apply?

Once you have prepared your project information and supporting documents, most applicants can complete this online form in around 60–90 minutes.

Helpful information

The following documents may help you prepare your application:

Privacy

Council of the City of Gold Coast collects personal information from you to assess and manage your application and meet its legal obligations.

For further information, please read the City's Information Management Policy and Information Privacy Policy.

 

FAQs and Important Information for Applicants

Arts Development Fund – Program Purpose

The Arts Development Fund is a competitive grants program. It supports artists and arts workers on the Gold Coast.

Applications are reviewed by industry peers. (Professional Development applications are assessed differently and may not use peer panels.)

The program helps:

  • build skills and careers
  • create new professional opportunities
  • support a strong and diverse local arts sector
  • deliver benefits to the Gold Coast community

Funding is provided by the City of Gold Coast to support projects and activities that align with the City Vision and cultural priorities.

About this grant – Small Grants (2026-27)

Small Grants support artists, arts workers, arts groups, collectives, companies and organisations to deliver arts and cultural projects.

You can apply for up to $5,000.

The goal is to support one-off projects that:

  • support creative risk taking and new ideas
  • help emerging artists take the next step in their practice
  • create new ways for people to take part in arts and culture
  • support diverse communities to share and celebrate culture
  • provide benefit to the Gold Coast arts sector or community
  • create professional pathways for artists and arts workers

Important dates

  • Applications will be assessed after the closing date.
  • Application activities cannot start before the earliest start date.

Milestone

Date

Applications open

3 July 2026

Applications close

30 September 2026

Notification date*

26 November 2026

Earliest start date**

24 December 2026

Latest completion date

24 December 2027

*The notification date is not your start date.

**If your application is successful you need to allow time to sign your agreement and receive funding before application activities start.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible to apply if you are:

  • an individual artist or arts worker
  • an arts group or collective
  • an arts organisation

To be eligible, the applicant must:

  • be based on the Gold Coast
  • be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, if applying as an individual
  • have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • have an Australian bank account
  • have public liability, professional indemnity, and/or product liability insurance, depending on the activity
  • be a practising artist or arts professional, or engage practising artists or arts professionals
  • provide all required support material with the application

To be eligible, some applicants must (if relevant):

  • be qualified to deliver the activity, or engage a qualified practitioner
  • have Child safety documents and Blue Cards

 

Who cannot apply?

You are not eligible to apply if you:

  • have an overdue City of Gold Coast acquittal or outcome report
  • have outstanding debts owing to City of Gold Coast including fees and charges
  • are a City of Gold Coast employee
  • are a City of Gold Coast contractor applying for work related to your contract
  • are a City of Gold Coast volunteer applying for work related to your volunteer role
  • are a current City of Gold Coast Arts Development Program participant applying for activities related to that program
  • are a government or semi-government entity
  • are an employee of a government or semi-government entity applying for work related to your employment
  • are a private or public education institution, including a Parents and Citizens Association or similar group

What can be funded?

Expenses that are directly related to the delivery of the activities in your application.

Eligible costs may include:

  • artist and arts worker fees*
  • equipment hire
  • venue hire
  • consumable materials used to deliver the project
  • marketing or promotion costs
  • access services
  • project documentation
  • auspice fees up to $250 or 5% of the grant amount awarded, whichever is lower
  • other costs that are needed to deliver the project
  • have engaged and have support from relevant target communities

*You must pay artists and arts workers at industry standard rates.

What cannot be funded?

You cannot apply for funding towards:

  • activities that have already started
  • activities that have already finished
  • reimbursement for money already spent
  • projects that have already received City of Gold Coast funding for the same activity
  • activities that are part of a certificate, degree or formal study
  • school-based activities
  • amateur arts activities
  • fundraising activities or donations
  • capital items, such as equipment, computers, vehicles or buildings
  • business start-up costs
  • agent fees
  • general administration costs not directly linked to the project
  • debt or loan repayments
  • the delivery of competitions, awards, prizes or eisteddfods
  • political activities or advocacy
  • installation of public art or murals
  • activities that will negatively affect the City of Gold Coast's reputation

Checklist: what evidence is required to apply?

To be eligible, you must provide all compulsory support material at the time of submission. Make sure you have:

Applicant information

  • Current proof of Gold Coast residency
  • An active ABN
  • Bank statement showing account name, BSB and account number
  • Valid insurance certificate of currency

Application information

  • Title
  • Description
  • Budget
  • Quotes for all items you want the Arts Development Fund to pay for
  • Details of any cash or in-kind support
  • At least one letter of support

Artist support material

  • Biography or CV
  • Work samples
  • Website links
  • Portfolio
  • Social media links

Documents (if relevant)

  • Artist or arts worker confirmation
  • Partnership confirmation
  • Engagement support letter confirming consultation (for applications supporting First Nations, d/Deaf, people with disability, children or young people, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities)
  • Employment letter
  • Evidence of compliance with the 10 Child Safe Standards required by the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld)
  • Blue Cards
  • Therapeutic arts qualifications
  • Auspice information

All required support material must be submitted with your application. Incomplete applications are ineligible.

Assessment criteria

Eligible applications are assessed against four criteria.

Each criterion has equal weighting.

  • Capacity – show that you have the skills, experience, planning and support needed to deliver the activities outlined in your application.
  • Merit – your application shows quality, purpose and value.
  • Reach – your application shows who it will reach and how they will take part.
  • Benefit – your application shows how it will benefit you, the arts sector, or the Gold Coast community.

 

Budget Considerations

  • Application expenses cannot be already paid for before applying.
  • The application can be for a project that has different stages, but you cannot spend money on these before submitting your application.
  • You may plan your application activity in advance, but you must not spend money on any items included in your grant budget before submitting your application.
  • Do not start your project before the earliest start date.
  • A project is considered started when you have spent money on items in your grant request, not when an activity begins.

 

Glossary

ABN

An Australian Business Number. This is an 11-digit number that identifies a business or organisation.

Acquittal/ Outcome Report

A report you complete after your project ends. It explains how the funding was spent and what the project achieved.

Access services

Services that support people with disability or access needs to participate in arts and cultural activities. Examples may include Auslan interpreting, captioning, audio description, and accessible formats.

Agent
A person or business that represents or manages an artist, creative practitioner, or organisation. Costs related to agent fees or commissions cannot be funded through the Arts Development Fund.

Amateur art

Activities undertaken primarily as a hobby or for personal enjoyment, rather than as part of a professional arts practice or creative business. Projects that are primarily amateur or hobby-based do not meet the program's intent to support professional artistic and creative development.

Applicant

The person, organisation or auspicor applying for the grant. The applicant is legally responsible for the funding agreement.

Application activity
A specific task, event, or milestone that forms part of your application project. Activities are the individual actions you will undertake to deliver your project.

Application expense

An application expense is a cost you expect to pay as part of delivering your application project.

Application project
The application project is the specific arts or cultural activity, event, or series of events that you are seeking funding for through the Arts Development Fund. The project must have a clear purpose and take place within a defined timeframe.

Application project stage
A project stage is a phase of your application project that is made up of one or more related activities. Project stages help show how your project will be delivered from start to finish.

Arts Development Program

Initiatives delivered by the City of Gold Coast’s Arts and Culture Unit.

Assessment criteria

The areas used to assess your application. For Small Grants, these are Capacity, Merit, Reach and Benefit.

Auspice

An arrangement where an incorporated organisation agrees to manage grant funding and administration for an individual or group that is not incorporated.

Auspicor

The incorporated organisation that receives and manages the grant funding. The auspicor is legally responsible for meeting the funding agreement requirements.

Auspicee

The individual or unincorporated group that delivers the project under an auspice arrangement. The auspicee works with the auspicor to meet funding and reporting requirements.

Capacity

Your ability to plan and deliver the project.

Capital items

Items that have long-term value, such as equipment, musical instruments, computers, buildings or vehicles. Capital items are not eligible for funding.

10 Child Safe Standards

Queensland’s legally mandated rules—introduced under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024—that require all child‑related arts activities to create safe, respectful and culturally secure environments for children. - Child Safe Standards | QFCC

City Vision

Strategic goals and values outlined by the City of Gold Coast to guide community development.

Community benefit

The positive outcomes your project creates for the Gold Coast community, arts sector or participants.

Contractor 

A person or business contracted by the City of Gold Coast to provide services. 

Council-Controlled Entities 

Organisations that are owned or operated by the City of Gold Coast. These entities are not eligible to apply for funding under this grant program. 

Creative Conversations 

Monthly events hosted by the City of Gold Coast to support and connect local creatives. 

Eligible Activities 

Project components that can be funded, such as artist fees, equipment hire, and materials. 

Employee 

An individual employed by the City of Gold Coast or related government entities.   

First Nations Peoples 

People who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander — the original people of Australia with deep cultural and spiritual connections to the land. This term acknowledges their unique cultures, histories, and ongoing connection to Country, as well as their rights to self-determination. 

Government Entity 

A department or agency that is part of the federal, state, or local government. These entities are excluded from applying for Small Grants. 

Graffiti Management Policy 

City policy regulating urban art to prevent vandalism and ensure community standards.

Industry Rates 

Standard payment rates for artists and arts workers, as defined by professional bodies like MEAA or Arts Law. 

Ineligible application
Ineligible means an applicant, project, activity, or expense does not meet the requirements of the Arts Development Fund and cannot be funded through the program.

Ineligible Activities 

Project components that cannot be funded, such as capital purchases, fundraising, or political advocacy. 

In-kind support

Support given without money changing hands. This may include donated time, goods, services or venue use.

Installation 

The process of placing or setting up artworks, especially public or urban art. Installations on Council assets or infrastructure are not eligible under this grant. 

Letters of Support 

Written endorsements from individuals or organisations that validate the project’s value and feasibility. 

LGBTQIA+  

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, along with the '+' representing all other gender, sexuality, and bodily diverse identities. 

Organisations

A legally constituted organisation that is registered or created by law. For example, incorporated associations, companies limited by guarantee or government statutory authorities are all defined as organisations. 

Overdue

An acquittal or outcome report that has not been submitted and approved by the City of Gold Coast within 8 weeks of the project or activity completion date.

Peer-assessed 

Evaluated by an independent committee of arts professionals, not City staff. 

People with Disability 

Individuals who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory conditions which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. (As per United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). 

Practicing artist

We provide funding to practising artists or arts workers. While you may not regularly earn income from your practice, you must be identified and recognised by your peers as a practising artist or arts worker. This may include cultural practitioners, editors, producers, curators and arts managers.

Professional Development grants 

A funding stream within the Arts Development Fund offering up to $2,000 for professional development opportunities. 

Professional Pathways 

Opportunities that help artists advance their careers or professional development. 

Proof of residence

Documents that show you currently live on the Gold Coast. Acceptable documents must be dated within the last 3 months and include your name and address. Examples include a utility bill, rent or lease agreement, rates notice, or vehicle or driver licence renewal notice.

If you do not have a fixed address, you can provide a signed letter from a support service, community organisation, employer, or similar organisation confirming that you are currently based on the Gold Coast.

Proof of residence must be provided in the name of the applicant. Applications without acceptable proof of residence will be ineligible for funding.

Public Art Policy 

Guidelines governing the creation and installation of public art in the City of Gold Coast. 

Public liability insurance

Covers bodily injury or property damage caused by your negligent actions.

Professional indemnity insurance

Covers claims arising from faults in your professional design or advice.

Product liability insurance

Covers injury or damage caused by faults in products you make.

Semi-Government Entity 

Organisations partially funded or operated by government bodies, including the City of Gold Coast. These are not eligible for grant funding. 

SmartyGrants

The online system used to submit and manage grant applications.

Support material

Documents or links that support your application. This may include CVs, work samples, letters, quotes, project plans or confirmation from partners.

Therapeutic arts practices  

The use of creative activities—such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, or writing—to support emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and healing. These practices are guided by trained professionals and can be used in community, health, or social care settings to help individuals express themselves, build confidence, and process experiences. 

Torres Strait Islander Peoples  

The Indigenous peoples of the Torres Strait Islands, located between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea. 

Urban Art 

Public-facing visual art projects like murals, which must comply with specific City policies.  

Unincorporated group

A group is two or more individuals that work together but is not a legally registered organisation. This can include co-collaborators and collectives.

Vulnerable Community Members 

People who might need extra support because of things like low income, poor health, being alone, or facing discrimination. 

 

Smarty Grants Information

If you need help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant FAQ's.

For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please artsdevfund@goldcoast.qld.gov.au and quote your submission number.

Navigating through the form

If you need help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant FAQ's.

For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please artsdevfund@goldcoast.qld.gov.au and quote your submission number.

You can move through the application form in any order.

Remember to save your work as you go.

To move through the form, you can:

  • use the form navigation menu
  • select ‘next page’
  • select ‘previous page’

To leave the form and come back later, select ‘save and close’.

When you log back in, go to ‘My Submissions’ to reopen your draft application.

You can also download a PDF copy of your draft or submitted application.

On every page of the form you will see a Form Navigation panel. This links directly to each page of the form, so you can click a page name to jump directly to the page you want.

You can also click 'Next Page' or 'Previous Page' on the top or bottom of each page to move forward or backward through the form.

Please ensure you save your form as you go.

Submitting your application

Before you submit, select ‘Review and Submit’.

You will not be able to submit until:

  • all required questions are complete
  • all required files are uploaded
  • there are no validation errors

Once you submit, you cannot edit your application or upload more support material.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application.

If you do not receive this email, your application may not have been submitted. Check your junk or spam folder.

File uploads

Make sure your files are saved on your computer before you upload them.

Allow each file to finish uploading before you add another file.

Files can be up to 25MB each. Smaller files are easier to upload.

Saving a draft

Your form will save each time you click ‘Next Page’, ‘Previous Page’, or any page name on the Form Navigation panel.

If you wish to leave a partially completed form, click 'Save and Close' and log out.

You can reopen your draft form and continue where you left off. When you log back in and click on the My Submissions link at the top of the screen, you will find a list of any submissions you have started or submitted. Click the submission number or the arrow icon to expand the list of associated forms, and click on the form name to continue filling it out.

You can also download any form, whether draft or completed, as a PDF. In the ‘My Submissions’ area of your account click on the submission number, then click the red PDF icon beside the form you want to download or, while filling out the form, click on the ‘Download PDF' button located at the top and bottom of the last page (’Review and Submit').

Submitting your form

You will find a Review and Submit page listed at the bottom of the Form Navigation panel. You need to review your form before you can submit it. You will not be able to submit your form until all the required fields are completed and there are no validation errors.

Once you have reviewed your form and corrected any errors you can submit it by clicking on the Submit button at the top or bottom of the screen.

Once you have submitted your form no further editing or uploading of supporting documents is possible.

When you have successfully submitted your form you will see a confirmation page, and you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your submitted form attached. This will be sent to the email address you use to login, or the owner of the submission if you are collaborating on the form.

If you don't see a confirmation page or receive a confirmation email then you should presume that your form has NOT been submitted.

Hint: also check the email hasn't landed in your spam or junk email folder.

You can return to the My Submissions page of your account to view the submission status of the form.

Attachments

You may need to upload/submit attachments to support your application. This is very simple but requires you to have the documents saved on your computer, or on a storage device.

You need to allow enough time for each file to upload before trying to attach another file. Files can be up to 25MB each; however, we do recommend trying to keep files to a maximum of 5MB – the larger the file, the longer the upload time.

Collaborating on your submission

A number of people can collaborate on a submission as long as

  1. you have created a SmartyFile Organisation and
  2. only one person is working on the form at a time.

Ensure you save as you go.

Session time-out warning

For security reasons, your login session will expire after 20 minutes of inactivity. Saving your form or navigating to another page resets the timer.

You’ll be prompted 90 seconds before your session expires, with the option to extend your session or log out. If you don’t respond to the prompt in time, your form will be automatically saved before your session ends.

Even so, we recommend saving your form regularly – especially when working on longer responses – to avoid losing any work.