2026–2027 Placemaking Grants Program (Australia)

The City Renewal Authority’s Placemaking Grants Program provides funding of up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance community engagement, cultural vibrancy, and economic activity in Canberra’s City Centre. The program funds initiatives in five categories—Art, Event, Marketing, Place, and Space—that activate public areas, improve accessibility, and foster inclusive experiences. Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, and organisations whose projects align with the City Renewal objectives and meet residency, insurance, and feasibility requirements.

Program Overview

The Placemaking Grants Program is designed to support projects that improve the liveability, attractiveness, and community engagement of Canberra’s City Centre. By funding creative, cultural, social, and economic initiatives, the program encourages a people-focused, design-led approach to urban activation.

Funded projects aim to:

• Activate public spaces and underutilised areas

• Strengthen cultural vibrancy and creative expression

• Increase visitation and community participation

• Support economic and community development

• Promote inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability

Grant Categories

Projects may be funded under one of five categories:

1. Art: Public art installations, murals, sculptures, and creative visual projects

2. Event: Festivals, performances, and large-scale cultural or community events

3. Marketing: Campaigns promoting City Centre activation, visitation, or engagement

4. Place: Physical improvements, design interventions, or enhancements to public spaces

5. Space: Activation of underutilised ground-floor or first-floor tenancies to benefit community use

Funding and Duration

• Maximum Grant per Project: $50,000

• Funding may cover activities, materials, creative fees, marketing, installation, and operational costs directly linked to project delivery

• Grants are milestone-based, with payments contingent on achievement of agreed deliverables

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals, groups, and organisations meeting residency or visa requirements

• Entities with appropriate insurance coverage

• Applicants capable of managing and acquitting grant funding responsibly

Projects must:

• Take place within the defined CCMIL Collection Zone, including the City Centre, Braddon, and a section of Haig Park

• Align with City Renewal objectives and target audiences

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Clear project objectives and feasibility

• Community engagement strategies

• Risk management planning

• Financial capability and realistic budget planning

• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability

Applications must include a detailed proposal outlining the project scope, objectives, anticipated impact, timeline, budget, and evaluation measures.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Project Impact: Contribution to community engagement and City Centre activation

• Alignment with Program Objectives: Fit with Placemaking Grants goals

• Capacity and Experience: Ability of applicants to deliver the project successfully

• Financial Planning: Adequacy and realism of proposed budget

• Diversity and Inclusion: Commitment to accessible and equitable participation

• Sustainability: Potential for long-term benefits and legacy

Grant Management

Successful applicants:

• Enter into a Deed of Grant agreement

• Receive milestone-based funding

• Are required to complete reporting and acquittal processes upon project completion

Why This Programme Matters

The Placemaking Grants Program:

• Enhances the vibrancy, inclusivity, and cultural life of Canberra’s City Centre

• Encourages creative and economic activity benefiting residents, workers, and visitors

• Supports accessible public spaces and sustainable community development

• Strengthens connections between local artists, organisations, and the wider community

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects outside the CCMIL Collection Zone

• Failing to provide proof of residency, visa status, or insurance

• Submitting incomplete applications without clear objectives or budgets

• Ignoring inclusivity, environmental sustainability, or community engagement principles

• Overestimating financial capability or failing to demonstrate project feasibility

How to Apply

1. Review eligibility requirements and ensure your project aligns with City Renewal objectives

2. Prepare a detailed project plan including objectives, budget, timeline, and community engagement strategies

3. Submit your application online through the City Renewal Authority portal by the specified deadline

4. Await assessment and, if successful, enter into a Deed of Grant and receive milestone-based payments

5. Complete final reporting and acquittal following project completion

Conclusion

The City Renewal Authority Placemaking Grants Program provides a significant opportunity for individuals, groups, and organisations to contribute to the activation, cultural vibrancy, and inclusivity of Canberra’s City Centre. By funding creative, design-led, and community-focused projects, the program strengthens social engagement, fosters economic development, and enhances the overall experience of residents, workers, and visitors.