Deadline: 08-Apr-2026
The Screenrights Cultural Fund 2026 supports innovative projects that enhance the creation, appreciation, and diversity of screen content in Australia and New Zealand. With a focus on Learning Through Story, the fund offers grants of up to AUD 50,000 to initiatives that build skills, mentorship, capacity, and technical tools in the screen industry. Applications close 8 April 2026, with outcomes announced 14 August 2026.
Overview
The Screenrights Cultural Fund supports individuals, organisations, and companies in Australia and New Zealand delivering creative and impactful initiatives in the screen sector. The 2026 focus, Learning Through Story, encourages projects that foster creation and appreciation of screen content, promote diversity, innovation, and collaboration, and contribute positively to the broader industry. The fund strengthens the local screen sector while encouraging new approaches to storytelling, mentoring, and skill development.
2026 Funding Details
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Total Funding Pool: AUD 300,000
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Maximum Individual Grant: AUD 50,000
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Project Duration: Up to 2 years from grant announcement (usually late August)
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Purpose of Funding: Support project delivery, not full project costs
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Eligible Expenses: Direct costs related to project delivery, including workshops, mentoring, training, technical tools, and capacity-building
Applicants are encouraged to include other cash or in-kind contributions in a clearly itemized budget.
Who is Eligible?
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Individuals: Residents of Australia or New Zealand for taxation purposes
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Companies: Domiciled in Australia or New Zealand for taxation purposes
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Must not be directors or employees of Screenrights, or immediate family of such individuals
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Must have relevant experience for the proposed project
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Can only submit one application per funding round
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Cannot have received a Cultural Fund grant in the past three years
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Must administer the project fully, managing collaborators, deliverables, reporting, and promotion
What Projects Are Supported?
The fund supports projects that contribute to a healthy and diverse screen industry, enhance skills, mentorship, and capacity, introduce new technical tools or distribution platforms, and range from small individual initiatives to large-scale programs.
Examples of Eligible Activities
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Mentoring and coaching programs for screen creators
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Skills development workshops and training sessions
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Capacity-building initiatives for artists and organisations
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Development of tools supporting screen production and distribution
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Collaborative projects extending reach and impact
Note: Projects must be new or reworked specifically to align with the 2026 focus.
What Projects Are Not Supported
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Production or development of screen content (scriptwriting, filming, post-production)
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Impact campaigns tied to specific screen projects
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Research projects without tangible outcomes or industry impact
How to Apply
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Prepare Your Proposal
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Describe project goals, delivery plan, and timeframe (max 2 years)
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Explain how the project will extend beyond initial delivery
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Include plans for promotion and documentation, including social media
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Outline Partnerships
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Highlight collaborations with industry partners
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Demonstrate potential for sector-wide impact
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Include intellectual property considerations, particularly for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property
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Submit Application
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Complete the official application form
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Include detailed budget and supporting documents
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Ensure submission by Wednesday, 8 April 2026, 5:00 PM AEST
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Assessment Process
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Evaluated by a panel of industry professionals
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Reviewed by the Screenrights Board of Directors
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Decisions are final, with outcomes announced Friday, 14 August 2026
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Tips for a Successful Application
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Focus on projects demonstrating measurable impact on participants or the industry
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Highlight diversity, innovation, and collaboration
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Ensure clarity on project ownership and intellectual property
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Provide a realistic and itemized budget, including in-kind contributions
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Avoid requesting funding for production, post-production, or research without outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can international applicants apply?
No, only individuals or companies resident or domiciled in Australia or New Zealand for taxation purposes are eligible.
2. Can previous Cultural Fund recipients apply?
No, applicants who have received a Cultural Fund grant within the past three years are ineligible.
3. Are partnerships encouraged?
Yes. Strong collaborations with industry partners, youth groups, or arts organisations can increase project impact and strengthen the application.
4. Can the grant cover full project costs?
No. Grants are intended to support project delivery, not cover total costs. Applicants should detail other cash or in-kind contributions.
5. Are production or post-production costs eligible?
No. Projects focused on screen content creation, filming, or post-production are not supported.
6. How long does the assessment take?
Applications are assessed by an expert panel and reviewed by the Board of Directors, with outcomes announced by 14 August 2026.
7. Can Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property be included?
Yes, but applications must clearly explain ownership and respectful handling of Indigenous IP.
Why the Screenrights Cultural Fund Matters
The Screenrights Cultural Fund strengthens the Australian and New Zealand screen sector by supporting innovative storytelling, skills development, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and building capacity for long-term industry impact.
Conclusion
The 2026 Screenrights Cultural Fund is a key opportunity for screen professionals, creatives, and organisations to develop projects that inspire, educate, and strengthen the screen sector. With clear eligibility, structured application steps, and a focus on measurable outcomes, the fund supports initiatives that foster collaboration, innovation, and lasting industry growth.
For more information, visit Screenrights.
