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.
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:
Arts funding can take various forms such as grants, sponsorships, scholarships, subsidies, or investments in arts-related projects and initiatives.
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:
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:
There are numerous ways find funding for projects within the arts, culture and creative sectors. These include:
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.
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 are a key source of funding for the arts. Some of more well known organisations are:
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.
Subscribe to newsletters and mailing lists of grant providers, arts organisations and grant databases. They frequently send out updates on new funding opportunities.
Follow arts funding bodies, organisations and grant providers on social media. They often post announcements about grant openings and deadlines.
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.
Join local or regional community arts networks and forums. These networks often share information about available grants and funding opportunities.
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.
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.
Supports community participation in, and access to, the arts and aims to support partnerships and collaboration across the sector.
Opening February 2025.
Provides funding for a range of visual arts projects Australia-wide.
Applications close 3 January 2025.
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.
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?