Deadline: 02-Feb-2026
The CreateSA Community Grant Program provides funding of up to $40,000 to arts organizations that collaborate with communities to deliver inclusive, socially impactful creative projects. The program emphasizes community engagement, cultural development, and skill-building over traditional performance outcomes.
Program Overview
The CreateSA Community Grant Program supports professional artists and organizations working collaboratively with communities to achieve artistic, cultural, and social outcomes. The program places community participation and creative process at the center of all funded projects, prioritizing meaningful engagement and capacity building.
Key Features of the Grant
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Community-Centered Projects: Activities must be developed in consultation with the target community and respond to its identified needs or aspirations.
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Creative and Cultural Development: Proposals should use community and cultural development methodologies to foster collaboration and engagement.
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Flexible Outcomes: Projects may focus on skill-building, confidence, or long-term capacity for community involvement rather than requiring a public presentation or final artwork.
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Inclusive Definition of Community: Communities may be defined by geography, culture, religion, gender, disability, or shared experiences. Projects engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, people with disability, culturally diverse or remote communities are encouraged.
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Funding Amount: Grants of up to $40,000 are available to eligible arts and cultural organizations.
Who is Eligible?
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Independent arts and cultural organizations and groups.
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Small-to-medium and major funded organizations within the arts and cultural sector.
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Organizations must demonstrate capacity to engage with communities meaningfully.
Not Eligible:
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Individuals or statutory authorities.
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Local governments or non-arts organizations.
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Organizations funded through the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework.
Why It Matters
The program strengthens community connections, promotes inclusivity, and supports the development of creative skills within diverse populations. By centering community engagement, CreateSA projects empower participants and ensure that artistic outcomes reflect the voices and experiences of the communities involved.
How to Apply
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Identify a target community and consult with them to define project needs, goals, and aspirations.
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Develop a project plan emphasizing collaboration, engagement, and community/cultural development methodologies.
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Prepare a budget request up to $40,000 detailing how funds will be used to support community engagement and project outcomes.
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Submit the application through the CreateSA portal by the designated deadline.
Tips for Applicants
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Clearly demonstrate community consultation and collaboration in the project plan.
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Emphasize skill-building, confidence development, and long-term community capacity rather than just the final artistic product.
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Align the project with the needs and aspirations of the target community.
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Highlight inclusion of underrepresented or regional groups to strengthen the proposal.
FAQ
1. Can individuals apply? No, only eligible arts and cultural organizations or groups may apply.
2. Is a public presentation required? No, projects can focus on engagement and capacity-building rather than a final performance or exhibition.
3. What is the maximum funding amount? Up to $40,000 per project.
4. Who defines the “community”? Community can be based on geography, culture, religion, gender, disability, or shared experience.
5. Are local governments eligible? No, local governments and non-arts organizations cannot apply.
6. Can projects engage remote communities? Yes, projects engaging remote South Australian communities are encouraged.
7. Can National Performing Arts Partnership Framework recipients apply? No, these organizations are not eligible.
Conclusion
The CreateSA Community Grant Program empowers arts organizations to engage communities in inclusive and meaningful creative projects. By prioritizing collaboration, capacity building, and cultural development, the program strengthens community connections and ensures diverse voices and experiences are represented in the arts.
For more information, visit CreateSA.
