The Sunshine Coast’s premier arts and cultural event has been locked in for three more years.
Sunshine Coast Council reaffirmed its commitment to the Horizon Festival after the successful running of this year’s 11-day edition, held in early May.
Council has endorsed the Horizon Festival 2026-28 report, which outlined a strategic, multi-year approach to delivering the festival and supporting the region’s creative sector.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the endorsement provided certainty for the festival’s future and would unlock a range of benefits.
“By committing to Horizon Festival over a three-year period, council is enabling long-term planning, stronger partnerships and greater opportunities for local artists and audiences,” she said.
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“Horizon Festival is more than an event. It’s a platform for cultural expression, community connection and creative innovation.
“We’re proud to continue investing in a festival that reflects the unique identity of the Sunshine Coast and brings people together through the arts.”
“This approach allows us to continue to develop our cultural offerings as we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as securing funding and partners.”
The festival has been a central part of the region’s cultural landscape since 2016, delivering significant economic and social benefits.
Between 2016 and 2023, the festival attracted more than 319,000 attendees, supported more than 4200 artists, including 726 First Nations artists, and generated an estimated $16.2 million in economic benefit for the region.
The endorsed report also highlighted the alignment of the festival with key national and state strategies, including the federal government’s Revive National Cultural Policy and the state government’s Towards Tourism 2032 strategy.
The council’s endorsement included referring an annual budget of $753,077 to the 2025-26 budget process for consideration. This funding is set to support the delivery of the festival and maintain current staffing levels.
Cr Natoli said the festival’s success was a testament to the region’s vibrant creative community and the strong support of the council and its partners.
