The Guide: October 2025

Written By Guest User

The gift of a long weekend this month is a perfect time to get creative. Maybe it’s time to get back into the studio, apply for that grant, back yourself to enter an art prize, or, take some time to relax with friends at a local music festival. The Guide is your go-to for October’s opportunities, events and more.

For music lovers, subscribers to The Guide get 15% off Long Listen Festival tickets using the code 2025LISTEN. With a huge program of artists on the bill, this is one not to miss.

Applications for SITE, the brand-new residency at The J in Noosa close 6 October, so put the finishing touches on your proposal and hit submit! While you’re at it, Noosa RADF funding is open until 20 October, offering support for arts and cultural projects across the Noosa region. Noosa Open Studios is on 10-19 October, for a sneek peak at process and products.

There are plenty of art prizes calling for entries this month, including The Mandorla contemporary fine art award and Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing.

Need a new headshot or fresh images of your work? Moreton Bay artists can access free professional photography to help showcase their practice.

 

New Arts Queensland Grants now open

Closing 3 November & 10 November

Two new major funding programs are open to support creative work across Queensland. The Queensland Arts Project Fund provides one-off grants offering up to $70,000 for one-year projects, and up to $150,000 for two-year projects. The Regional Community Arts Program supports delivery of community-led arts and cultural activities in regional and remote Queensland. With one-year project grants up to $20,000 or two-year core funding up to $50,000 annually. Both programs present an unmissable opportunity for artists and organisations ready to take the next step in their creative career.

Learn More

Mick Turner Headlines Samhain 2025

30 October to 1 November

Now in its fifth year, Samhain presents an epic line-up of experimental music, art and film over three days at The Old Ambulance Station, Nambour. Headlining the festival is Australian music legend Mick Turner (Dirty Three), performing an exclusive live set of guitar, sound and visuals. Also featuring Heinz Riegler with sound and installation works, Naomi Blacklock’s experimental performance, and Brinks Helm’s striking visual art. Presented by Basket of Hammers, the event’s growth is to be supported as it continues as a landmark for bold, interdisciplinary practice on the Coast.

Purchase Tickets

Call for Entries: 40 Under 40 Exhibition & Art Prize

Entries close 1 November

The 40 Under 40 Exhibition & Art Prize returns to the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre in January 2026, celebrating its fifth year. This biennial showcase features 40 of the Sunshine Coast’s most exciting artists under 40, offering a platform for emerging creative voices across Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Gympie. Artists working in all mediums including painting, sculpture, film, photography, sound and installation, are encouraged to enter. There are prizes to be won and a legendary opening night with live music and good vibes, so get your entries in and start your new year with a bang!

Enter now

 

ART FAIR
CIAF 2026 Art Fair Showcase is an exhibition highlighting contemporary works by Queensland First Nations artists, from 2D and sculpture to textiles and new media. Open to established and emerging artists.
EOI’s close 14 November.

EOI
Festival of Dangerous Ideas is seeking ideas-driven performance work, interactive art, or live experiences, small or large scale, that provoke, unsettle, or ignite conversation.
Submissions close 31 October.

EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY
Ipswich Community Gallery invites exhibition proposals for 2026–27, supporting emerging and established artists across all mediums. Solo or group shows are welcome.
Applications close 20 October.

 

EXHIBITION OPENING
Reflections is a collective exhibition featuring 25 local artists, inviting you to explore your connection with the natural world. Opening includes live music, shared stories, and refreshments at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden.
1 November.

FILM
Beach Watch is a short film inspired by Baywatch, celebrating Andrew Toolis, born with Down syndrome. Walk the red carpet and enjoy paparazzi photos. All ticket sales go to Tallulah Whitrod’s Our Moons Mission.
12 October.

EXHIBITON OPENING
Teddy Horton’s Poodle Boy exhibition at Onespace Gallery showcases a series of short 100% AI-generated films that subvert character stereotypes and storytelling expectations. Opening event 11 October. Exhibition runs 3 Oct – 1 Nov.

 

Image credits (from top): Photo by Georgia Haupt; Image courtesy of Basket of Hammers; Exhibition view 40 under 40 2024, image courtesy of 40 under 40 art prize and exhibition; Image courtesy of Ipswich Community Gallery; Photo by Ally Hayes-Hatten; Photo by By Want Media; Teddy Horton, That horse was out of this world, 2025. AI-generated film still printed on 300sgm Hahnemühle paper, 42 x 59.5cm. Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Onespace.

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events, and professional development programs for creatives.

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The Guide: September 2025