Deadline: 09-Mar-2026
The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund – Create Grant Program provides $20,000 grants to Australian creative writers and visual artists to support the creation of new work. In 2026, up to five grants will be awarded, with projects commencing after 1 August 2026, and funding focuses on artistic development rather than production, marketing, or publication.
The Create Grant Program supports emerging and mid-career Australian artists by funding the creation of new work. The program targets writers and visual artists at pivotal stages of their artistic development and emphasizes professional engagement with publishers, galleries, or institutions.
Grant Details
• Grant amount: $20,000 per recipient
• Number of grants: Up to five in 2026
• Project start date: After 1 August 2026
• Purpose: Support the creation of new artistic work, not production, marketing, or exhibition costs
Who Is Eligible?
Creative Writers
Eligible writers must:
• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Be ready to write their second book
• Have only one full-length work professionally published or performed in Australia
• Provide evidence of professional support (e.g., publisher’s contract, letter of intent, or letter of interest)
Ineligible writers include:
• Self-published authors
• Co-authors of the first book
• Writers primarily in scholarly or academic fields
• Writers without a full-length work professionally published or presented
• Short films, scripts, or works appearing only in anthologies, journals, or community theatre
Visual Artists
Eligible visual artists must:
• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Have developed an independent body of work over several years
• Have exhibited in Australian public or commercial galleries, with no more than three solo exhibitions
• Provide evidence of confirmed interest from a gallery, institution, curator, or artistic director
Ineligible visual artists include:
• Artists who have not met the solo exhibition requirement
• Artists creating work solely for publication purposes
Additional Eligibility Requirements
• Applicants must have acquitted any overdue Cultural Fund grants
• Groups or collaborative artists must ensure all collaborators meet eligibility criteria
Application Requirements
Creative Writers Support Materials
• One-page CV outlining Australian publication/performance history
• Writing or illustration sample up to 10 pages from the proposed project
• Relevant contract or letter of interest from a publisher or theatre
Visual Artists Support Materials
• One-page CV detailing Australian exhibition history
• Up to 10 images of work from the proposed project
• Letter or agreement confirming interest in exhibiting the work
Submission Guidelines
• Submit applications via the SmartyGrants online system
• Only one application per round
• Applications must be complete and submitted by the closing date
• Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered
• Once submitted, no changes can be made
Assessment Criteria
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of peers and assessed on:
• Artistic or literary merit
• Clarity of the project description
• Strength of one-page CV and work samples
• Quality and credibility of contracts or letters of interest
Project Requirements
• Funded projects must commence after 1 August 2026
• Recipients must submit an acquittal report within eight weeks of project completion
• Funding supports creation, not production, exhibition installation, or marketing
Why This Grant Matters
• Supports artists during critical periods of creative development
• Encourages professional engagement with publishers, galleries, or institutions
• Focuses on new work creation rather than commercial or promotional activities
• Provides targeted support for emerging and mid-career Australian creatives
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly demonstrate eligibility and professional experience
• Provide high-quality work samples aligned with the proposed project
• Include a robust letter of interest or contract to show professional support
• Ensure all documentation is complete and submitted on time
• Avoid proposing projects outside the creation-focused scope
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
Australian creative writers and visual artists meeting the eligibility requirements.
What can the grant be used for?
Creation of new artistic work, including writing, illustration, or visual art.
Are production, marketing, or exhibition costs covered?
No. Funding cannot be used for editing, production, installation, or marketing.
How many grants are available?
Up to five grants of $20,000 each in 2026.
What support materials are required?
CV, work samples, and evidence of professional support (contract or letter of interest).
Can collaborative projects apply?
Yes, but all collaborators must meet eligibility criteria.
When must the project start?
Projects must commence after 1 August 2026.
Conclusion
The Copyright Agency Create Grant Program provides Australian creative writers and visual artists with financial support to focus on developing new work. By funding emerging and mid-career artists at key stages, the program encourages professional engagement and the creation of high-quality, innovative art, strengthening Australia’s cultural landscape.
For more information, visit Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.
