The Guide: March 2025
As we await the latest news on TC Alfred, we take heart in the strength, care and resilience of our community and hope you’re well prepared and staying safe.
Last week, Horizon Festival dropped its 2025 program of unmissable art events and experiences from the Coast to the Hinterland. With an opening night street party, visual art installations, live music program and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are ready to turn your big idea into a thriving business, R|7.0 Creative Business Incubator is now open for applications. This 10-week program has successfully supported 86 creative businesses to date and offers a new format in 2025. Join a free online info session (11&12 March) to find out more about this year’s program and ask questions of mentors and alumni.
Two opportunities for project funding are now open. Applications for Sunshine Coast Council’s latest round of RADF funding close on 31 March and Arts Queensland’s QASP funding round closes on 14 April with single year project funding up to $70K and two year project funding up to $150K available.
This month, The Guide celebrates a little milestone - our first anniversary! It is such a pleasure to connect creative people and practitioners with opportunities, experiences, and each other and we’d like to thank you for reading, sharing and submitting to The Guide this past year. We couldn’t do it without you.
On that celebratory note, keep reading for more opportunities, inspiration and events and please, take care out there.
Enter the 2025 Sunshine Coast National Art Prize
Entries are now open for the 2025 Sunshine Coast National Art Prize, a prestigious national acquisitive award celebrating contemporary 2D and new media art. Since 2006, this exhibition has showcased exceptional artwork by artists from across Australia.
The Major Prize winner will have their work acquired into the Sunshine Coast Art Collection, and the People’s Choice Prize will be awarded based on public votes. With a prize pool exceeding $35,000, this is a unique opportunity for your work to gain national recognition. Entries close 11 May.
Discover Horizon Festival, 2025 Program Out Now!
Horizon is back for 2025, a 10-day festival from 2 - 11 May exploring the intersections of art, people, and place on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country. Grounded in the theme of radical hope, Horizon 2025 encourages collective action, resilience, and the belief that art can create a shared future.
The full festival program is packed with unforgettable art experiences! From live music in unexpected places and dance that moves you, to immersive art and technology, exhibitions, installations, family-friendly events, and bespoke food experiences. With over 50 events across 10 locations, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.
Interested in R|7.0? Join an Online Info Session
Join The Refinery for an online info session next week to help you prepare your R|7.0 application or simply find out more about this signature program. Hear from program organisers and alumni Nikita Fitzpatrick as they share insights and answer your questions.
These 45-minute sessions will cover program outline, the selection process, new program format, alumni success stories, and participant mentors—with plenty of time for a Q&A.
R|7.0 is your chance to take your creative practice or business idea and turn it into a sustainable career. Over ten weeks, you’ll identify new markets, gain visibility and industry connections, and develop a business plan.
Sign up now to the info session and prepare for the next big step in your creative career.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Sunshine Coast Council presents MadeSC, a series of free workshops for artists, creatives, and arts organisations. Build your business and marketing skills through in-person events and online webinars.
Held 14 March – 11 April.
ART PRIZE
The Olive Cotton Award is a $20,000 biennial prize for excellence in photographic portraiture. Open to photographers nationwide, the winning work is acquired for the Gallery’s collection.
Entries close 13 May.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
MadeSC’s creative development stream supports the generation of new work providing access to space, funding, mentorship and production.
EOIs close 1 April.
EXHIBITION EVENT
Jade Stevens presents (Women) Claiming Space as part of her TAKEOVER at the Old Ambo. Join Jade for a full moon gathering to explore intuitive creation through mark-making, watercolour, and individual clay forms.
14 March, free RSVP.
PERFORMANCE
Us And All Of This is a sculptural, meditative dance performance uniting 50+ people in an act of radical slowness. Presented as part of Horizon Festival, the team seeks volunteer dancers, movers, and curious minds to bring the performance to life. No experience needed.
EXHIBITION OPENING
Intimate Organisms by Bianca Tainsh explores tech-enabled nature-connection and coexistence. Join the opening night celebration and performances at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden.
6-8pm, 8 March.
Image credits (from top): Local Contemporary Art Prize 2024 Best of Show Winner Susan Schmidt with her work Breathe (coming up for air) | 2023 | charcoal, acrylic and oil on canvas | 122 x 152cm. Image: Pat Want; Image courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council; Image courtesy of The Refinery; Image courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council; Image courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council; Image via Unsplash; Image courtesy of Jade Stevens; Photo by Mark Gambino; Intimate Organisms by Bianca Tainsh.
The Guide is your essential source for information on opportunities, grants,
events, and professional development programs for creatives.
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