The Guide: February 2026

Written By Guest User

The Guide is back for February 2026, packed with can’t-miss exhibitions and opportunities for creatives across the region.

This month, dive into some standout exhibitions: the 40 Under 40 Exhibition at Cooroy Butter Factory, Marking Time: 30 Years of the UniSC Art Collection at UniSC Gallery, and The Floor is Lava by Pippa Makgill at Old Ambo, all celebrating fresh perspectives and established voices alike.

Also make sure you check out the exhibitions at our regional galleries including The Brothers Gruchy at Caloundra Regional Gallery and the exploration of skate culture with Storm Sequence at Noosa Regional Gallery.

If you’re planning your creative year, now is the time to explore funding opportunities. Creative Australia’s Arts Projects grants are open for individuals and organisations, while Sunshine Coast Council supports local arts and community initiatives through Major Grants for Community Groups and the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), perfect for projects, mentorships, and professional development.

Keep reading to see what’s coming up this February, or browse the full listings online.

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Apply Now for R|Artist Residency: Think Big

Applications close 16 February 2026

Think Big 2032 invites artists living in Brisbane 2032 Olympic host regions to imagine bold, ambitious projects that celebrate regional stories and community life. The residency is open to artists at any career stage, encouraging experimentation and the development of ideas that can make a lasting impact locally and nationally.

Selected artists receive a $10,000 artist fee, project support, and mentorship to bring their concepts to life. The residency runs March – June 2026, offering hybrid and place‑based opportunities to develop work-in-progress, collaborate with communities, and explore innovative ways to share stories. Concept development is the focus, so artists can dream big without the pressure of completed works.

Apply Now

40 Under 40 Exhibition & Opening Party

20 February 2026

Celebrating the Sunshine Coast’s most exciting emerging artists, 40 Under 40 showcases a dynamic selection of 40 artists aged under 40 from Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions. The biennial group exhibition gives young creatives a powerful platform to connect, exhibit and grow within the arts community.

Held at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, this prize‑supported exhibition highlights diverse contemporary work, with standout artists recognised across prize categories and celebrated at the opening event. All art lovers are invited to experience fresh talent, community culture and creative energy in this highly anticipated regional showcase.

Book now

Creative Australia Arts Projects for Individuals and Group

Applications close 3 March 2026

Creative Australia’s Arts Projects grant supports Australian artists and creative groups to develop ambitious projects that connect audiences, communities, and ideas. From new works and collaborations to festivals, exhibitions, publishing, touring, and more, this program helps artists take their practice further.

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 provide financial support, resources, and professional development opportunities to extend creative practice and build meaningful engagement locally, nationally, or internationally. This program is open to individuals and groups across all art forms, encouraging innovative, accessible, and impactful creative projects.

Apply now

 

FUNDING
Sunshine Coast Council Major & RADF Grants support Sunshine Coast‑based not‑for‑profits, artists and creative practitioners to deliver community projects, events, infrastructure and arts development with funding up to $30K (Major) or up to $15K (arts/mentorship).
Closes 9 March 2026

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PAC Australia Presenter Development Program helps experienced performing arts presenters enhance leadership skills, tackle industry challenges and build national networks through practical sessions and expert insights. Apply to join the cohort of established presenters advancing their careers. Applications close 16 February 2026.

EOI
The Keeper Project Maroochydore invites emerging to established artists to become one of ten Keepers, creating socially engaged public art in Maroochydore with professional support, fees and materials. Includes three-week residency and workshop. Applications close 16 February 2026.

 

SHOWING
Work in Progress Showing – Vijay Thillaimuthu invites arts enthusiasts to preview Spectral, a new creative work by multi‑disciplinary artist Vijay Thillaimuthu at The CAVE2, University of the Sunshine Coast. Experience evolving artistic practice and engage with emerging work in development.
26 February 2026.

EXHIBITION
Marking Time: 30 Years of the UniSC Art Collection showcases over 100 works from the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Art Collection, tracing three decades of artistic growth, place‑based practice and community narratives. Free exhibition for art lovers and students at UniSC Art Gallery.
Runs 9  Feb  – 18  Apr  2026.

EXHIBITION
The Floor Is Lava invites art lovers and the community to experience a site‑responsive visual art exhibition by Pippa Makgill at The Old Ambulance Station Gallery in Nambour, showcasing creative works that explore space and history.
Exhibition runs 10 – 21  February  2026.

 

Image credits (from top): Image courtesy of SCCA; Image courtesy of 40 under 40; Image courtesy of Creative Australia; Arts Connect Inc "Open Studios Sunshine Coast 2024", supported by Sunshine Coast Council Major Grants program. Artist: Melanie Augustin. Photographer: Barry Alsop (image supplied), Image courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council; Image courtesy of Performing Arts Connections Australia; Image couresty of Red Chair; Image courtesy of Vijay Thillaimuthu; Sam Cranstoun Albert_Siepert_Points_Out_Highlights_of_Apollo_10_Liftoff_to_Belgium_King_and_Queen_GPN-2002-000010 2023. Pencil on paper, 105.5 x 152cm. UniSC Art Collection. UniSC Contemporaries commission supported by the De Deyne Family, 2025. Photo: Carl Warner. © Sam Cranstoun; Image courtesy of the artist.

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events, and professional development programs for creatives.

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The Guide: December 2025