The Cultural Tourism Fund (The Fund) provides grants to support the development and presentation of new programming initiatives within Queensland festivals and events that attract audiences, drive regional growth and enhance the state's reputation as a cultural destination.

The Fund supports applications from Queensland-based organisations that deliver Queensland arts festivals or events across a range of artforms including visual arts, craft and design; performing arts; classical and contemporary music; writing; and multi-arts.

Applications can be made by Queensland organisations or groups (including councils) who present established arts festivals or events that have a track record of maintaining or growing attendance year on year.

Available funding:

• New Programming stream: up to $160,000 over two years (max. $80,000 per annum); or
• New Markets stream: up to $40,000 over two years (max. $20,000 per annum).

Additional funding of up to $10,000 is available to support costs associated with increasing access for artists and/or audiences with disability (New Programming stream only). 

Applicants can apply to both streams.

To be eligible for this grant you must:

• Be based in Queensland delivering festivals and events in Queensland.
• Be requesting funding for activity occurring between 13 July 2026 and 31 December 2028.
• Have received and successfully acquitted funding from, or be currently supported by, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Event Investment Programs.
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) in same name used in the application.
• Have a bank account in the same name used in the application.
• Have completed any Arts Queensland progress or outcome reporting that is due.
• NOT owe Arts Queensland any money.
• Have spoken to Arts Queensland about your application before submitting.
• Submit no more than one application per stream to this funding round.
• Submit all compulsory support material.
• Have at least three years of activity and attendance figures for the festival/event and be able to provide three years of economic impact reports.
• Have the support and endorsement of the Local Government Authority (LGA) and Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) where the festival/event takes place.
• Submit your application through SmartyGrants by the closing date and time.

• Phone: 07 3034 4016
• Email: investment@arts.qld.gov.au