FAQs
Application Process
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Yes. The Refinery has now expanded into a suite of professional development programs delivered across the year. In addition to the 10-week creative incubator program, R|7.0, we will be presenting artist residencies, short programs, masterclasses and talks.
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Applications for R|7.0 open on 3 March at 12 noon and close at midnight on 31 March 2025.
The application process is two-stage;
Stage 1 - EOI
Complete your expression of interest using the application form.
EOIs will be reviewed by a panel and a shortlist of applicants will be invited to attend Bootcamp on Monday 28 April 2025.
Stage 2 - Bootcamp
Attendance at Bootcamp is mandatory for entry into the program
Bootcamp is both a professional development opportunity and the final assessment phase for the program.
Applicants will be notified of successful selection by Monday 14th April 2025.
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Absolutely! There are two sessions held online.
Tuesday 11 March 12.30pm - 1.15pm
Wednesday 12 March 5.30pm - 6.15pm
Please RSVP here.
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We are here to help! For further information or assistance with your application, contact hello@therefinerysunshinecoast.com
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Of course, there’s no limit on the number of times you can apply but we suggest you don’t resubmit the same application.
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Bootcamp is a half-day intensive workshop for shortlisted applicants and forms stage two of the selection process.
Past participants share that they find great value in the experience, even if they are unsuccessful in being invited into the program.
Bootcamp will be held on Monday 28th April 8.30am to 1.30pm at a located in Bell Vista.
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• Merit of idea – vision, conceptual value, freshness, quality of practice and collaborators.
• Viability – skills of applicant, potential for the business model to be successful, identified and attainable income streams and market.
• Timing – applicant’s readiness, project timing, development and TRACTION (have you demonstrated clear action and momentum, or are you just talking about it?)
• Program fit – Is this project right for R 7.0? Can we help? Will this proposal complement the cohort?
Applicants will be assessed on the information they provide in the application form (Stage 1) and during their participation in Bootcamp (Stage 2).
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In short, no.
Bootcamp is a critical part of the selection process, allowing us to meet you and ensure the program is a good fit for you.
The Program
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Applications open: 12noon 3 March 2025
Applications close: midnight 31 March 2025
Bootcamp: 28 April 2025
10-week program: 16 June – 16 September 2025
Showcase: 10 September 2025
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R|7.0 runs for 10 weeks (16 June – 16 September 2025) and this year will be delivered in a new format (3 weeks on, 2 weeks off) to give you time to process and apply the learnings and insights directly to your business/creative practice as you go.
Please refer to the program outline for key dates
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R|7.0 is designed for creatives with a business idea or practice. It is for early career through to senior practitioners across all creative disciplines.
It's for creatives seeking a more entrepreneurial approach to their practice and those who are already operating as a business and want to focus on a new direction, growth, or refinement.
The program fosters a diverse mix of cultures, ages, art forms, and developmental stages.
For more information explore the stories of our alumni.
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R|7.0 operates at various locations across the Sunshine Coast.
More information on the locations will be provided as the program is announced.
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The program is carefully curated and builds week on week to enhance your knowledge, skills, and self-understanding.
Program dates are provided in advance to allow you to plan ahead.
If you're unable to commit to regular two days/week attendance, this program is not the right fit for you.
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The program is conducted in person, and sessions are not recorded.
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SCCA is excited to announce Hayley Linthwaite as this year’s facilitator of R|7.0.
Find out more about Hayley here.
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R|7.0 has identified places for First Nations practitioners with fully subsidised places. First Nations participants are involved in a Mob-Only session prior to the program commencement.
Relevant programming is delivered by First Nations facilitators. We are guided by Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) Elder-in-Residence Aunty Helena Gulash, alongside First Nations mentors.
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Bring your laptop or preferred device to keep track of program content. We also recommend bringing along a packed lunch as the days are jam-packed and there isn’t a lot of time to go off-site, so bring your essentials.
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Program fees apply to participate in R|7.0. These fees are only a small proportion of the cost of delivering this intensive program.
For participants who reside in the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area (LGA) the fee is $500 excl. GST per participant. Sunshine Coast Council is a major partner of R|7.0 through the Arts and Heritage Levy in alignment with the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023-2038 and this enables a fee subsidy for their residents.
For participants who reside outside of the Sunshine Coast Council LGA the fee is $950 excl. GST.
Payments can be made up-front or via instalments.
Places are available for participants experiencing hardship and applicants can express interest in one of these places in the application process.
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Subsidised program places are available for First Nations participants and if you are experiencing financial hardship.
When you apply, you will have the opportunity to tick a box confirming your situation.
Should you progress to the offer stage, you will be contacted to discuss why you need support.
If you live in regional Queensland and outside of the Sunshine Coast Council LGA, you can look at RADF Funding.
Showcase
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Showcase is the culmination of the program where participants pitch their practice and/or business to an audience of industry peers, government and business. It is a highlight of the social calendar on the Sunshine Coast and generates valuable opportunities and connections.
Participation in Showcase is a requirement of the program.
Showcase will take place at The Events Centre, Caloundra on Wednesday 10 September 2025.
Watch our video of last year's showcase.
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To learn about The Refinery's impact over the years, visit our journal.