Open Call: Arts and Culture – Arts Projects (Australia)

The Arts Projects Grant, offered by Arts NT under the Northern Territory Government’s Arts Grants Program, provides funding of up to AUD 30,000 for projects that create, develop, present, and promote Northern Territory arts and culture. The grant supports artists, arts workers, community groups, and organisations through initiatives that strengthen creative careers, community participation, cultural engagement, and audience development.

About the Arts Projects Grant

The Arts Projects Grant is part of the Northern Territory Government’s Arts Grants Program, administered by Arts NT, to support high-quality arts and cultural initiatives across the Northern Territory.

The program funds projects that enhance artistic practice, celebrate Territory culture, strengthen creative industries, and increase public participation in arts and cultural activities. It encourages projects that foster collaboration, develop creative careers, and expand opportunities for artists and communities.

Approved projects must commence on or after 1 December 2026, following the execution of the funding agreement.

Program Objectives

The Arts Projects Grant aims to:

Support the creation, development, presentation, and promotion of Northern Territory arts and culture.
Build sustainable careers for NT artists and arts workers.
Increase public participation in arts and cultural activities.
Strengthen community engagement through creative projects.
Promote collaboration across the arts sector.
Showcase Northern Territory artists locally and beyond.
Expand audiences through innovative and digital approaches.

Funding Priorities

Projects must align with one or more of the following priority areas.

EMPOWER – Build Creative Capability and Careers

The EMPOWER priority supports projects that strengthen the professional development of Northern Territory artists and arts workers.

Eligible activities include:

Research and development of new creative work.
Creation of original artistic projects.
Professional skills development.
Mentoring and coaching.
Training opportunities.
Leadership development.
Sustainable creative career pathways.

CONNECT – Strengthen Communities Through Arts

The CONNECT priority focuses on increasing community participation and improving access to arts and culture.

Supported activities include:

Community arts projects.
Regional arts initiatives.
Activating creative spaces and community venues.
Increasing access to arts experiences.
Collaborative projects involving artists, community groups, organisations, and other sectors.
Strengthening regional arts delivery.

ENRICH – Celebrate and Promote Territory Culture

The ENRICH priority supports projects that showcase Northern Territory arts and culture.

Eligible activities include:

Exhibitions.
Performances.
Festivals.
Cultural events.
Publications.
Distribution of creative works.
Digital promotion and audience engagement.
Activities that strengthen the profile and market opportunities of NT artists and arts organisations.

Funding Amount

Applicants may request:

Up to AUD 30,000 per project

Arts NT does not provide full project funding.

Applicants must demonstrate that additional funding sources are available to cover the total project cost.

Project Timeline

Successful projects must:

Begin from 1 December 2026, after the funding agreement has been signed.
Be delivered according to the approved project plan.
Submit all required reporting after project completion.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

Individual artists.
Artist groups.
Arts organisations.
Community organisations.
Other eligible applicants that meet the General Eligibility Requirements of the Arts Grants Program.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Meet all General Eligibility Requirements.
Demonstrate funding from other sources to complete the project.
Provide all required supporting documentation.
Deliver activities that align with Arts NT funding priorities.

Administering Body Requirement

Applicants requesting more than AUD 15,000 who are not sole traders must apply through an eligible administering body.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

Arts organisations receiving more than AUD 100,000 annually through the Arts Grants Program.
Organisations seeking funding for their ongoing operational activities.
Projects supporting the core planning, programming, or operational costs of Northern Territory festivals or major events.
Organisations acting as an administering body when the proposed activity forms part of their annual program or core business.

Required Application Documents

Applications should include:

Confirmation of project participation and partnerships.
Curriculum Vitae (CVs) for key artists.
Artistic support material.
Examples of previous work.
Letters of support.
Detailed project budget.
Supporting quotations for grant-funded expenses exceeding AUD 1,000.
Project plan.
Marketing plan.

Additional Requirement for Applications Above AUD 15,000

Applications requesting more than AUD 15,000 must also include:

Risk assessment.
Risk mitigation strategy.

Assessment Process

Applications are assessed by an independent assessment panel.

Assessment considers:

Alignment with program priorities.
Artistic quality.
Community benefit.
Project feasibility.
Budget and value for money.
Applicant capability.
Project planning and documentation.

Notification Timeline

Applicants can expect notification of funding outcomes:

From 26 October 2026

Reporting Requirements

Successful recipients must comply with the funding agreement.

Reporting includes:

Final acquittal requirements.
Financial reporting where required.
Submission of a case study report within three months of project completion.

Why This Grant Matters

The Arts Projects Grant plays an important role in strengthening the Northern Territory’s creative sector.

The program helps:

Support professional artists and emerging creatives.
Build sustainable careers.
Increase community access to arts and culture.
Celebrate Territory identity and creativity.
Encourage innovation across the arts sector.
Expand opportunities for regional communities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop Your Project

Prepare a project that aligns with one or more funding priorities:

EMPOWER
CONNECT
ENRICH

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

Meet the Arts Grants Program eligibility requirements.
Arrange an administering body if required.
Secure additional funding sources.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather:

CVs.
Artistic examples.
Letters of support.
Budget.
Marketing plan.
Project plan.
Quotes.
Risk assessment (if applicable).

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the application before the published closing date with all required supporting documents.

Tips for Applicants

To improve your chances of success:

Clearly explain community benefits.
Demonstrate artistic quality and innovation.
Provide realistic timelines and budgets.
Include strong letters of support.
Show how the project strengthens Northern Territory arts and culture.
Clearly identify additional funding sources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Requesting funding for operational or festival core costs.
Submitting incomplete documentation.
Forgetting required quotations for expenses over AUD 1,000.
Applying without an administering body when required.
Failing to demonstrate project feasibility or community impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Arts Projects Grant?

It is a funding program under the Northern Territory Government’s Arts Grants Program that supports projects creating, developing, presenting, and promoting Northern Territory arts and culture.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to AUD 30,000 per project.

Who can apply?

Eligible individuals, groups, and organisations that meet the Arts Grants Program eligibility requirements may apply.

Can Arts NT fund my entire project?

No. Applicants must demonstrate funding from other sources because Arts NT does not cover the full project cost.

When can funded projects begin?

Approved activities may commence from 1 December 2026 after the funding agreement has been executed.

What documents are required?

Applications require a project plan, budget, marketing plan, CVs, artistic support material, letters of support, quotations for eligible expenses over AUD 1,000, and additional risk documentation for requests above AUD 15,000.

What reporting is required after project completion?

Successful recipients must submit required reports, including a case study report within three months of completing the funded activity.

Conclusion

The Arts Projects Grant provides valuable funding for artists, organisations, and communities working to strengthen Northern Territory arts and culture. By supporting creative development, community participation, cultural promotion, and professional growth, the program helps build a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive arts sector while expanding opportunities for artists and audiences across the Northern Territory.