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2025-2026 Artists and Creatives Professional Development Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 16-Feb-2026

The Artists & Creative Professional Development Grants in Geelong support local artists and creatives in enhancing their skills, professional practice, and career sustainability. Grants of up to $2,000 fund workshops, masterclasses, residencies, internships, and mentoring programs. These opportunities strengthen the local arts sector while providing practical and creative development benefits to participants.

Overview of the Grant

The Artists & Creative Professional Development Grants provide financial support to local artists and creative professionals seeking to develop their creative and business skills. This program is part of the broader Creative City Community Grants initiative, designed to enhance the sustainability of artistic careers and increase contributions to the cultural life of the municipality.

Focus Areas and Objectives

The program prioritizes activities that:

  • Enhance professional skills and creative practice

  • Increase the ability to sustain and manage a career in the arts

  • Offer broader cultural benefits to the City of Greater Geelong

  • Align with the objectives of the Creative City Community Grants program

Eligible activities include:

  • Short courses and arts-related business programs

  • Masterclasses and workshops

  • Arts residencies and internships at festivals or arts organisations

  • Structured mentoring programs with clear plans and mentor details

  • Conferences and work placements

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Reside within the City of Greater Geelong municipality

  • Be individual artists or creatives operating as sole traders with an active ABN, or work for a not-for-profit entity without an ABN

Ineligible applicants include:

  • Individuals without an ABN

  • Incorporated or unincorporated organisations

  • Registered charities or businesses

  • Schools

  • Previous applicants with outstanding grant acquittals

  • Entities involved in insolvency, bankruptcy, or with outstanding debts to the City

Why It Matters

This grant program helps artists and creatives:

  • Strengthen their professional skills and artistic expertise

  • Gain practical experience through internships, mentoring, and residencies

  • Increase visibility and contribution to the local arts and cultural sector

  • Expand networking opportunities within the creative community

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Prepare Your Proposal: Outline the activity, expected outcomes, budget, and alignment with grant objectives.

  2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet residency and ABN requirements and that your project type is eligible.

  3. Submit Application: Apply through the City of Greater Geelong Community Grants portal.

  4. Funding Decision: Applications are assessed based on merit, relevance, and impact on professional development.

  5. Grant Use: Funding may cover transport, accommodation, registration/course fees, incidentals, and remuneration for mentorship, residencies, or internships.

Funding details:

  • Maximum grant amount: $2,000 per application

  • Total program budget: $15,000

  • Applicants may apply to multiple programs, provided each is for a different project, event, or activity

Common Mistakes / Tips

  • Incomplete applications: Provide full details of the activity, budget, and mentor information.

  • Incorrect residency or ABN: Verify eligibility before applying.

  • Overlapping applications: Ensure each project submitted is distinct.

  • Outstanding grant acquittals: Resolve previous grants before applying.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the grant? Local artists and creatives residing in the City of Greater Geelong, operating as sole traders with ABN or working for not-for-profit entities without ABN.
2. What activities are funded? Workshops, masterclasses, short courses, residencies, internships, mentoring, and conference participation.
3. How much funding is available? Up to $2,000 per application.
4. Can I apply for multiple programs? Yes, if each application is for a different project or activity.
5. What expenses are eligible? Transport, accommodation, registration/course fees, incidentals, and remuneration for mentorship or internships.
6. Are organizations eligible? No, incorporated organizations, registered charities, and businesses are ineligible.
7. What happens if I have an outstanding grant? Applicants with unresolved acquittals are ineligible until resolved.

Conclusion

The Artists & Creative Professional Development Grants empower local artists and creatives in Geelong to enhance their skills, professional practice, and career sustainability. By funding workshops, residencies, internships, and mentoring programs, the initiative strengthens both individual artistic growth and the broader cultural sector within the municipality.

For more information, visit City of Greater Geelong.