Cultural showcase set to continue: three year plan
Sunshine Coast Council has thrown its full support behind the region’s flagship arts and cultural celebration, endorsing a three-year plan for Horizon Festival following the success of the 2025 edition.
At its Ordinary Meeting on May 21, Council approved the Horizon Festival 2026–2028 report, outlining a strategic, multi-year approach to strengthening the event and the broader creative sector.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the decision provides long-term certainty and paves the way for enhanced collaboration and growth.
“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,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Horizon Festival is more than an event. It’s a platform for cultural expression, community connection and creative innovation.”
Since launching in 2016, the festival has drawn more than 319,000 attendees, supported over 4,200 artists — including 726 First Nations creatives — and delivered more than $16 million in economic value to the region.
The report notes the festival’s alignment with key cultural and tourism strategies, including the Australian Government’s Revive National Cultural Policy and Queensland’s Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap.
An annual budget allocation of $753,077 will be referred to the 2025–26 budget process to support festival delivery and staffing continuity.
Mayor Natoli said Horizon’s ongoing success reflects the vibrancy of the local arts community and Council’s commitment to cultural development ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For more information, visit horizonfestival.com.au.