2026 Open Space Program

The Open Space program will provide five short-term exhibition opportunities at the Bundaberg School of Arts, supporting artists to present work in a professional, accessible gallery setting.

Each grant will offer two weeks* (14 days) of access to the Bundaberg School of Arts, including:

• installation
• exhibition period
• demount

The funding will be used to remove financial and logistical barriers that often prevent artists from exhibiting, particularly emerging artists, culturally diverse practitioners, First Nations artists, and community-led projects. By covering venue access and associated costs, the program allows artists to focus on artistic quality, community engagement, and professional development, rather than affordability.

The Bundaberg School of Arts is an accessible, central, and well-known community space, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences and participants. Short-term exhibitions provide a low-risk, high-impact opportunity for artists to test new work, present first exhibitions, or engage local audiences in meaningful ways.

This program supports local council and RADF priorities by:

• Encouraging local artistic practice and participation
• Supporting diverse voices and storytelling
• Building professional pathways for artists
• Increasing access to arts and culture across the region

The Open Space program is artist-led, with participants determining the content, format, and focus of their exhibitions. Council’s role is limited to providing access, coordination, and support, ensuring the program remains flexible, responsive, and community-driven.

This initiative will activate the Bundaberg School of Arts through regular, rotating exhibitions, strengthening its role as a creative hub while delivering clear public benefit for artists and audiences alike.

EOI's will be assessed on the quality of your work, readiness to exhibit, engagement with the community, alignment with program priorities, and your need for support. You will be required to provide images or links to your work. All applicants must hold public liability insurance.

*Please note: The Bundaberg School of Arts is a community space. Exhibition dates are limited and subject to availability, so we encourage applicants to be flexible with scheduling.

The Open Space program is an initiative of the Bundaberg Regional Council funded through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Bundaberg Regional Council uses personal information to deliver its functions and services. Council will only use personal information you have provided for the purpose of processing this application and for remaining in contact with you. Council is authorised to collect this information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and other local government acts. Your personal information is only accessed by persons authorised to do so. Your personal information is dealt with in accordance with Council’s Privacy Policy.

Please note the information provided in this application and in related documentation and discussions may be provided to members of the RADF Committee and Grant Assessment Panel in order to assist Council in assessing your application.

By submitting this application you consent to Council publishing your name, the project name, project description and Council’s funding contribution. We may also use your details for promoting Council’s funding program.