Arts Grants
Navigating the world of arts grants can be a time-consuming task. With so many different sources of funding and ever-moving opening and closing dates, it can be hard for arts professionals and organisations to both find and stay on top of arts grants.
What is arts funding?
Arts funding refers to the financial support provided by organisations or businesses to sustain and promote arts and cultural activities in Australia. Essentially, arts funding helps you start arts projects and ideally keep them going. Arts funding is directed toward a wide range of artistic endeavours, including visual arts, performing arts, literature, music, film and more.
Funding is provided via a range of organisations including:
- Government agencies (such as Creative Australia)
- Philanthropic foundations
- Corporate foundations
- Arts & cultural organisations
- Community foundations
- Educational institutions
- Private donors.
Arts funding can take various forms such as grants, sponsorships, scholarships, subsidies, or investments in arts-related projects and initiatives.
What type of projects do arts grants support?
Eligibility criteria and types of arts funding varies, with programs designed for individuals, groups, and organisations across different artistic disciplines. From visual arts to performing arts, funding programs cater to a diverse range of creative pursuits, ensuring that the Australian Arts scene remains vibrant and world-class. These include initiatives such as:
- Creative Works: Funding can be provided for the creation of new artistic works, including visual arts, literature, music compositions, dance performances, theatre productions, and more
- Exhibitions and Shows: Grants can support artists and organisations in staging exhibitions, art shows, or performances, whether locally, nationally, or internationally
- Public Art: Funding may be available for public art installations, sculptures, murals, and other artistic projects that contribute to the public realm
- Festivals and Events: Arts grants can help organise and promote cultural festivals, events, and community celebrations that showcase artistic talent
- Arts Education and Workshops: Some grants are dedicated to arts education programs, workshops, and initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and skills development in the community
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Funding may support projects related to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, including Indigenous cultural practices
- Literary Projects: Authors, poets, and writers can seek grants for writing projects, such as the creation of books, poetry collections, or literary journals
- Film and Screen Productions: Grants can assist in the production of films, documentaries, television programs, and digital content within the screen industry
- Music and Performing Arts: Support can be provided for live music performances, theatre productions, dance shows, and other performing arts projects
- Community Arts Initiatives: Grants may fund community-based arts projects that engage local residents in artistic endeavours, often with a social or cultural focus
- Arts Infrastructure: Funding can go toward the development or renovation of arts-related infrastructure, such as theatres, galleries, and creative workspaces
- Research and Development: Some grants support research and development projects that explore new artistic concepts, techniques, or technologies
- International Collaborations: Artists and organisations may receive funding for collaborations, exhibitions, or tours with international partners
- Emerging Artists and Emerging Art Forms: Grants often encourage and support emerging arts workers, artists and experimental art forms that push creative boundaries
- Arts Access and Inclusivity: Initiatives promoting access to the arts for people with disabilities or from diverse backgrounds may receive funding
- Creative Residencies: Artists and creatives can apply for grants to participate in creative residencies or fellowships both in Australia and internationally.
Who is eligible for arts grants?
In Australia, arts funding and grants are accessible to a diverse range of entities and individuals who each play their own part in contributing to Australia’s rich cultural tapestry. Eligible funding recipients include, but are not limited to:
- Individual artists and creators
- Arts organisations
- Indigenous communities and artists
- Educational institutions
- Nonprofit arts organisations
- Museums and galleries
- Libraries and archives
- Performing arts companies
- Film and television production companies
- Community arts projects
- Youth and emerging artists
- Writers and authors
- Charities
- Public art initiatives
- Music festivals and events
- Theatre companies
- Dance troupes and choreographers
- Visual artists and photographers
- Creative entrepreneurs and startups
- Artisanal and craft collectives
- Early career artists.
How to find arts grants
There are numerous ways find funding for projects within the arts, culture and creative sectors. These include:
Government Websites
Visit government websites at federal, state and local levels. For example, Creative Australia along with state arts funding bodies, councils, and local government websites often provide information on arts funding programs.
Online Grant Finders
Finding grant funds for artists and arts-related organisations can be as simple as searching via an online grant finder like The Grants Hub. Designed to have all arts grants in one place, we will save you loads of time by not having to visit a bunch of individual websites on a regular basis. Right now, we have over 300 open arts grants listed in our Grants Directory.
Philanthropic Foundations
Philanthropic foundations are a key source of funding for the arts. Some of more well known organisations are:
- Ian Potter Foundation
- Myer Foundation
- Sidney Myer Fund
- Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
- Tim Fairfax Family Foundation
- The Balnaves Foundation.
Arts Organisations
Connect with arts organisations and associations in your field. They often compile lists of grants relevant to their artistic discipline and share this information on their websites or through newsletters.
Newsletters & Mailing Lists
Subscribe to newsletters and mailing lists of grant providers, arts organisations and grant databases. They frequently send out updates on new funding opportunities.
Social Media
Follow arts funding bodies, organisations and grant providers on social media. They often post announcements about grant openings and deadlines.
Connect with Arts Funding Professionals
Collaborate with professionals who specialise in arts grant writing and fundraising. They can help you to identify suitable grants and assist in preparing grant applications.
Community Arts Networks
Join local or regional community arts networks and forums. These networks often share information about available grants and funding opportunities.
Tips for a successful arts grant application
Creating a compelling grant application requires a clear understanding of the funding criteria and a display of your artistic talent. Start by thoroughly reviewing the grant program’s guidelines and eligibility requirements. Address each criterion clearly and concisely in your application, demonstrating how your project aligns with the program’s objectives.
Next, focus on showcasing the artistic merit of your project. Share your unique vision, artistic achievements, and the impact your work has on both the arts community and the broader community. Provide support material, such as images, audiovisual content, or URLs, to help grant assessors gain a comprehensive understanding of your project.
Finally, highlight the community impact of your project. Explain how your artistic venture will stimulate community engagement, encourage participation, and contribute to cultural development. By showing the tangible benefits and outcomes of your project, you’ll make a strong case for receiving funding.
Current Arts Grants in Australia
LIFECYCLE: Touring Grants
Supports national touring activities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander music creators, supporting growth and fostering a vibrant, visible and inclusive music landscape.
Applications close 20 December 2024.
View and track grant
Festivals Australia
Supports community participation in, and access to, the arts and aims to support partnerships and collaboration across the sector.
Opening February 2025.
View and track grant
Gordon Dowling Foundation Grants
Provides funding for a range of visual arts projects Australia-wide.
Applications close 3 January 2025.
View and track grant
Playing Australia: Regional Performing Arts Touring Fund
Supports performing arts to reach regional and remote communities across Australia. Grants are available to support the net touring costs associated with a national tour.
Applications close 4 March 2025.
View and track grant
With the right resources and strategies in place, finding and securing arts grants is an achievable goal. By streamlining how you find arts grants, understanding eligibility criteria (and making sure you meet it before investing your time in applying), and crafting compelling grant applications, you’ll be well on your way to gaining the financial support your artistic projects deserve.
Ready to find some arts grants?
