The Guide: April 2026
April is packed with opportunities for artists and creative practitioners to develop their practice, showcase work, and engage with the local arts community.
This month, artists can apply for professional development and residency programs including SCCA’s Noosa Natural Ecologies residency, Creative Australia’s Biennale Delegates Program, and Metro Arts’ 2026 Visual Artists in Residence, each offering mentorship, funding, and opportunities to expand practice and networks.
Galleries and venues are presenting exciting exhibitions and performances, from immersive experiences like Odessa Mahony-de Vries’ sculptural installation at The Old Lock-Up to interactive poetry with Stark Raven Mad touring Gympie and Pomona.
Funding opportunities remain open to support practice and project development, including Regional Arts Australia’s 2026 National Regional Arts Fellowship and Screen Queensland’s Online Elevation Fund.
Keep reading for more inspiration, opportunities, and events this month.
The Horizon Festival program has launched!
Apply now for R|Artist Residency: Natural Ecologies, Sunshine Coast
Applications close 15 April 2026
Mid-career to senior Sunshine Coast artists are invited to develop new work inspired by the region’s natural environment through R|Artist Residency: Natural Ecologies. This residency supports practices at the intersection of art, technology and ecology, encouraging projects that explore conservation, regeneration and community connection.
Over five months, the selected artist receives a $5,000 fee and $1,500 for materials, alongside access to UniSC’s cutting-edge facilities including the Maker Space, CAVE2, and the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster. With tailored technical support and flexible access, the residency prioritises experimentation and culminates in a public presentation.
Creative Australia Biennale Delegates Program
Applications close 3 March 2026
Early-career visual arts professionals are invited to apply for the Biennale Delegates Program, a national professional development opportunity supporting artists, curators, producers and arts workers to expand their practice and networks. Designed for those within 5–10 years of experience, the program fosters collaboration, critical dialogue and international engagement.
Participants join a cohort of eight delegates from across Australia, gaining access to major global events including the Biennale of Sydney and Venice Biennale. The hybrid program includes workshops, mentorship and international travel, with $4,750 in funding plus flights, accommodation and support provided.
Metro Arts – Visual Artists in Residence Program 2026
Applications close 13 April 2026
Metro Arts invites emerging and mid-career visual artists to apply for its 2026 Artist in Residence Program, offering dedicated studio space and support to develop new work. Designed for future-focused practices, the residency encourages experimentation, dialogue and exchange within a vibrant arts community.
With two 12-month mid-career and two 6-month emerging residencies available, artists gain time, space and curatorial support to grow their practice without pressure for a final outcome. Opportunities for studio visits, open days and potential future exhibitions in 2027 are included.
ART PRIZE
Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026 invites artists across Australia working in 2D and new media to submit work for a chance to share in a $35,000+ prize pool, including a $25,000 Major Prize. Finalists receive freight support. Submit your work and gain national exposure.
Applications close 10 May 2026.
RESIDENCY
ANAT + MAP mima Residency & Commission 2026 invites artists to collaborate with a scientist to develop a new immersive digital artwork for MAP mima’s 360-degree projection Cube. Includes residency, curatorial support and $7,500 commission, culminating in a public exhibition.
Applications close 15 April 2026.
FUNDING
Screen Queensland Online Elevation Fund supports Queensland creator businesses to scale their online content operations, grow audiences and build sustainable practices. Funding of up to $50,000 can be used for staffing, studio hire, professional development and business growth. Ideal for established digital creators.
Applications close 13 April 2026.
ART PRIZE: Emerging Artist Prize
FELLOWSHIP: 2026 National Regional Arts Fellowship
ART PRIZE: Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize 2026
PERFORMANCE
Stark Raven Mad is an award-winning, interactive poetry show for ages 6+, blending gothic poems with puppetry, costumes, movement and music. Featuring works by Edgar Allan Poe and more, this darkly funny performance delights all ages. Shows in Gympie and Pomona.
8 & 10 April 2026.
SHOWING
In-Site Residency Showing – Odessa Mahoney & De Vries invites audiences to experience a live showing of work developed through residency, exploring site-responsive performance and contemporary practice. Engage with artists and process in an intimate presentation of new work.
Saturday 11 April 2026.
EVENT
LA POWER x CHULEO Club Night brings together cutting-edge electronic music, DJs and club culture for a high-energy night of dance and underground sounds. Designed for music lovers and nightlife communities, this event showcases local and touring talent in an immersive club setting.
Sunday 12 April 2026.
EXHIBITION: Homeplace Karlina Mitchell
WORKSHOP: Painting the Familiar: Objects in Oil With Victoria Reichelt
TALK: Art Chats
Image credits (from top): Image courtesy of SCCA; Image courtesy of Creative Australia; Image courtesy of Metro Arts; Image courtesy of Caloundra Regional Gallery; Image courtesy of Lake Mac Arts; Image courtesy of Screen Queensland; Image courtesy of Cat Bird Theatre; Image courtesy of IN | ARI; Image courtesy of The Shelter s.c.
The Guide is your essential source for information on opportunities, grants,
events, and professional development programs for creatives.
Published monthly online and in your inbox.
To be included in The Guide next month, send your submission to theguide@wearescca.org
SCCA is supported by
