The Guide: May 2026
Welcome to the May edition of The Guide!
Dedicated to the Sunshine Coast’s creative scene, we’ve rounded up the latest funding opportunities, local sector highlights, and regional news to keep you connected and inspired. This edition is packed with resources for every artist, no matter where you are in your career.
Now, more than ever, is the time to have your voice heard. Have your say on the Australian Government’s next National Cultural Policy, building on the current Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place framework. Public consultation closes 24 May 2026.
Keep reading to see what’s coming up this May, or browse the full listings online.
Apply Now for R|The Path
Applications close 1 June 2026
Designed specifically for emerging and early-career visual artists, The Path is a structured professional development program focused on the lifecycle of artistic creation.
Facilitated by acclaimed artist and academic Dr Kellie O’Dempsey, participants engage in collaborative workshops, individual mentorship sessions, peer-led critiques, and professional industry panels. The program empowers artists to successfully plan, strategise, and execute a viable professional trajectory.
Sunshine Coast Music Awards
7 June 2026
The Sunshine Coast Music Awards returns in 2026 for a night of celebration, connection and outstanding live music, shining a spotlight on the artists, venues, studios and behind-the-scenes champions who make our region’s music scene thrive. Held at the The Shed, Palmview, this year’s awards promises an even bigger evening of entertainment and recognition.
Whether you’re part of the industry, a passionate music fan, or simply looking for a great night out, the Sunshine Coast Music Awards is your chance to be part of a special moment for local music.
AusArt Day Micro Grants
Applications close 2 June 2026
Creative Australia’s AusArt Day is a national initiative designed to support and enable a collective action by artists and arts organisations to fundraise on one national day – increasing the visibility of arts philanthropy and encouraging greater generosity in support of the arts.
To elevate the public value of the arts in the consciousness of everyday Australians and increase donor engagement in support of Australian creativity micro-grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 are available to support the creation of digital content for use within your AusArt Day campaign.
OPPORTUNITIES
FUNDING
Arts Queensland’s Queensland Major Commissioning Fund is now open. The fund provides support for the production and presentation of impactful, large-scale creative work that showcases Queensland artists, organisations and stories, and has significant public outcomes attracting large audiences.
EOIs close 20 July 2026
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Led by multi-award-winning artist Yandell Walton R | Short Program: Projection Art is designed to build participants’ understanding of projection art, covering mapping (including building and object mapping), installation, screen-based works, narrative work and looped video. Runs 25 May to 22 June 2026
CONFERENCE
QShowcase Arts Market & Conference is Queensland’s premier annual performing arts market and industry conference. Delivered by QTouring, the state's arts touring and engagement service, the event serves as a central hub to broker performance tours through regional and remote Queensland communities.
WHAT’S ON
PERFORMANCE
From Red Leap Theatre, delivered in electronica inflected neon and grime, Dakota of the White Flats is a finely crafted narrative shot through with comedy, horror, immersive soundscape and live music.
26 May, The Events Centre, Caloundra
TALK
Bringing together voices from multiple disciplines, R|Talk: A Place for Design highlights the role of designers as both problem solvers and translators—bridging ideas, people, and processes to reveal how collaborative practice creates environments that resonate, connect, and thrive.
27 May 2026 - WOTSO, Sippy Downs
TALK
Curious about how events, shows and performances - from live music gigs to fully fledged stage shows to major festivals - come together? Join Simon Wellington (Performing Lines), Natano Fa’anana (Casus Creations / Moogahlin Performing Arts) and Aimee Gray (Kerbside Collective) for The Producers Forum. 29 May 2026, Maroochy Surf Club
EXHIBITIONS: Natalya Hughes: The Interior & Amanda Bennetts: Fragmented, divided—yet whole
SCREENING: Showdown Showcase – A Celebration of Local Short Film
Image credits (from top): Major Commissioning Fund (Image Courtesy Arts Queensland), Yandell Walton (Image Courtesy of the Artist) Red Leap Theatre, Dakota of the White Flats, G Docs (Georgia Haupt) from Horizon 2025 (Producers Forum Image).
The Guide is your essential source for information on opportunities, grants,
events, and professional development programs for creatives.
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