Horizon Festival 2027 Expressions of Interest Now Open
Horizon Festival is inviting expressions of interest from artists, artist groups, presenting partners, organisations, venues, producers and collectives interested in being part of Horizon Festival 2027.
Taking place from 20-29 August 2027, Horizon's new festival dates align with the Cultural Olympiad calendar, positioning the Festival within a period of growing cultural activity, creative exchange and audience engagement as momentum builds towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new dates create exciting opportunities for artists, partners and audiences to connect with a significant cultural moment while continuing Horizon's commitment to showcasing bold, place-based experiences that reflect the creativity and identity of the Sunshine Coast.
Horizon is looking for ambitious, audience-focused projects that are ready to be presented as part of the 2027 program. From performances, exhibitions and installations to public programs, cultural experiences and community gatherings, we're seeking work that reflects Horizon's ethos of being place-based, joyful, inclusive, rigorous and affecting. Successful proposals will demonstrate artistic or cultural strength, a meaningful connection to place or community, and the ability to contribute to the distinctive identity and energy of Horizon Festival.
Two application pathways are now open:
- Artist EOI for artists and artist groups with presentation-ready work.
- Partner EOI for organisations and presenting partners with established events, exhibitions, performances, public programs and cultural experiences.
Being part of Horizon offers the opportunity to connect with new and diverse audiences, increase visibility through festival marketing and promotional activity, and position work within one of Australia's leading regional arts festivals. Horizon provides a platform for artists and partners to deepen community engagement, build audience development outcomes and connect with the wider cultural ecology of the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
Depending on the nature of the project, successful applicants may receive programming consideration, audience development support, festival context and promotional opportunities as part of their involvement.
Key dates
- Applications open: 13 October 2026
- Applications close: 10 November 2026
- Applicants advised: 1 December 2026
- Festival dates: 20-29 August 2027
Which EOI should I apply for?
Apply for the Artist EOI if:
- You are an individual artist, artist collective, collaboration or creative practitioner.
- You have a fully realised, exhibition-ready, performance-ready or tour-ready work.
- Your project is substantially complete and ready for presentation during Horizon Festival 2027.
- You can clearly articulate your creative vision, technical requirements, delivery approach and audience experience.
- You are seeking an opportunity to present existing work as part of the Festival program.
This pathway is designed for artists with presentation-ready work. It is not intended for project concepts, works in early development, commissioning requests, seed funding applications or projects requiring significant Festival-led producing support.
Apply for the Partner EOI if:
- You are an organisation, venue, producer, company, collective, community organisation or other presenting partner.
- You have a fully formed event, exhibition, performance, public program or cultural experience.
- You have a confirmed or strongly supported venue or site.
- You have an attached producer or producing team and a clear delivery model.
- Your project is substantially planned, resourced and ready to deliver with minimal Horizon Festival support.
This pathway is designed for established presenting partners seeking to expand audience reach, connect with new demographics, deepen community engagement, build visibility or position an existing project within a broader regional festival context.
Not sure which pathway is right for you?
If you're unsure whether your project is best suited to the Artist EOI or Partner EOI, please contact the Horizon Festival team before applying.