Page 1 - PRODUCER LAB EOI 2026 - Sunshine Coast Regional Council Grants

About the Program (Not Applicable)

PRODUCER LAB

Producers work closely with artists and arts companies to bring creative projects and ideas to life.

They are a crucial link between the artistic, business, and production elements of a performance, artwork, or project.

Their role is dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a unique set of skills, knowledge, and approaches.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from local producers—at any stage of their producing journey—to participate in the PRODUCER LAB, a weekend intensive designed to strengthen your producing knowledge, skills, and networks. Through a combination of in-person workshops, panels, and incursions, the PRODUCER LAB is facilitated by some of Australia’s leading producing companies, including Performing Lines and Red Chair.

Participation in the PRODUCER LAB is fully subsidised for those invited through the Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

The PRODUCER LAB is a professional development initiative of Sunshine Coast Council, designed and delivered by Red Chair.

Proudly funded by the Sunshine Coast Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support arts and culture in regional Queensland.

EOI Dates

Expressions of interest OPEN 10 February 2026

Expressions of interest CLOSE 22 March 2026

Applicants will be notified of the outcome within four weeks of the closing date.

PRODUCER LAB Program Dates

Friday 29 May, 2026 - 5:30pm – 8pm

Saturday 30 May, 2026 - 9am – 4pm

Sunday 31 May, 2026 - 9am – 4pm

Venue will be in the Sunshine Coast LGA

Producers / Community Organisers / Arts Workers

At any stage in their producing journey – whether just interested, emerging, or with some experience
Strongly interested in building producing knowledge, skills, and networks
Based in (or with a demonstrated connection to) the Sunshine Coast region
Working across performing arts, interdisciplinary, or community-engaged practice

We strongly encourage applications from producers and aspiring producers who identify as:

d/Deaf and/or disabled
Neurodivergent
First Nations
Culturally and linguistically diverse

Cost

Fully subsidised for participants selected through the Expression of Interest process

Applicant Support

If you have any accessibility or technical queries please contact us at creativearts@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Please see the Smartygrants FAQ page for more information about using Smartygrants.

Are you able to commit to attending the PRODUCER LAB (29 – 31 May 2026)? *

Response required.

Yes

No - please do not submit this application

Clear

Applicant Information (Not Applicable)

Applicant *

First name

Last name

Applicant Address *

Return to address search

Address line 1

Address line 2

Suburb/Town

State/Province

Postcode

Country

Address Line 1, Suburb/Town, State/Province, Postcode, and Country are required.

Applicant Mobile Phone Number *

Must be an Australian phone number.

Applicant Email *

Must be an email address.

Are you a resident of the Sunshine Coast Region? *

Response required.

Yes

No

Clear

If you are not a resident, briefly describe your connection to the Sunshine Coast Region

Project Questions (Not Applicable)

Provide a short bio about your practice *

Word count:

Must be no more than 200 words.

From what you know about the PRODUCER LAB, tell us why you want to be involved? *

Word count:

Must be no more than 200 words.

Describe your current producing experience (if any). Please note, lack of producing experience does not preclude you from selection *

Word count:

Must be no more than 200 words.

What producing knowledge/skills do you want to further develop (tick all that apply)? *

Response required.Response required.

The Role of a Producer – Understanding responsibilities, workflows, and professional practice in arts production.

Working with Artists, Arts Companies, Festivals and Presenters – Collaboration, relationship management and supporting artistic vision.

Equity, Inclusion and Safe Spaces – Best-practice approaches, policies and creating safe, accessible environments.

Production & Context – Site, Venues, Touring

Project Administration & Budgets: Policies, Guidelines, Contracts and Funding – Managing contracts, securing funding and partnering in-kind.

Market Development and Marketing – Developing and targeted opportunities and understanding the market.

Community Engagement and Audience Development – Strategies to connect with audiences and build meaningful engagement.

Evaluation and Reporting – Designing evaluation frameworks, acquittals and reporting practices.

Other:

Clear

At least 1 choice must be selected.

Do you identify with any of the following? (optional)

First Nations artist

d/Deaf and/or disabled artist

Neurodivergent artist

Artist from culturally and linguistically diverse background

Clear

Support material (Not Applicable)

Support Material

Please submit the following support material with your submission. The panel will review this support material to help them gain a better sense of your practice.

IMPORTANT: We do not accept support material submitted via post. If you have special circumstances that prevent you from submitting your supporting documents electronically,

Please contact the team at creativearts@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Please note that support material can include a total of:

CV
2 links to website/social media channels

If you cannot supply support material via URLs, you may upload a single PDF containing your collated support material.

CV *

Attach a file: Upload new file

Website/social channel link

Additional support material link

Must be a URL.

Collated Support Material (if unable to provide URLs)

Attach a file: Upload new file

Applicant Support (Not Applicable)

Privacy Statement

Red Chair and Sunshine Coast Council will use any personal information provided for the purpose of processing your application and for remaining in contact with you. Council is authorised to collect this information in accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 and other local government Acts. Your personal information is only accessed by persons authorised to do so.

Please note the information provided on your application and in any related documentation/discussions may be provided to members of the assessment panel in order to assist us in considering your expression of interest.

Your personal information is dealt with in accordance with council’s Privacy Policy.

I agree to the privacy statement above *

Response required.

Yes

Clear

I'd like to subscribe to all arts related newsletters from Sunshine Coast Council:

Yes

No

Clear

Where did you hear about this opportunity?

Previous participant in Council led program

Word of mouth

Social Media

E-Newsletter

Other:

Clear

You are now ready to submit your application! When you submit your application you will receive an automated email indicating that your application has been submitted. This will be sent to the email address you used to register.

If you do not receive the confirmation email, then you have not submitted successfully - please try again!