Deadline: 09-Feb-2026
Creative Australia’s Storytelling and Recording – First Nations Project Fund provides $10,000–$50,000 to First Nations individuals and organisations to support media, cultural storytelling, and recording initiatives. Projects focus on preserving culture, amplifying First Nations voices, and building technical skills, with activities completed between June 2026 and June 2027.
Overview of the Fund
The Storytelling and Recording – First Nations Project Fund aims to strengthen First Nations media, storytelling, and recording initiatives. The program supports community-driven projects that preserve culture, share knowledge, and engage audiences through diverse media platforms.
Objectives
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Preserve and promote First Nations culture, languages, and heritage.
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Amplify First Nations voices in media and storytelling.
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Support skills development through technical media training.
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Foster community collaboration in cultural and creative projects.
Eligible Project Types
The fund supports a broad range of activities, including:
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Radio and television broadcasting featuring First Nations content.
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Podcasting and digital storytelling to share cultural narratives.
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Cultural recordings and language documentation.
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Media skills development and technical training for community members.
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Storytelling initiatives that engage and educate communities.
Funding Details
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Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 per project.
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Projects must be completed within 12 months, between June 2026 and June 2027.
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Applicants may receive support for production, training, and skill-building, alongside funding guidance for quality and sustainability.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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First Nations individuals working in media, storytelling, or cultural documentation.
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First Nations organisations involved in community-led media and creative projects.
All projects must adhere to First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols, including:
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Consultation and informed consent.
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Respectful handling and sharing of community knowledge.
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Benefit-sharing arrangements with participating communities.
How to Apply
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Develop Your Project Proposal: Identify a project that preserves culture, strengthens media skills, or amplifies First Nations voices.
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Define Scope and Budget: Ensure funding requests align with the $10,000–$50,000 range.
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Submit Application: Include project objectives, timelines (June 2026–June 2027), and community engagement plans.
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Cultural Protocols: Demonstrate adherence to First Nations consultation, consent, and IP protocols.
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Review and Funding Decision: Applications are assessed based on cultural impact, feasibility, skills development, and sustainability.
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Project Implementation: Complete activities within 12 months while following guidance provided by Creative Australia.
Tips for Success
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Engage your community early to ensure project relevance and support.
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Prioritize capacity-building and skills transfer alongside content creation.
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Emphasize long-term cultural impact and sustainability.
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Follow all Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols strictly.
FAQ
1. What is the funding range?
Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 per project.
2. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are First Nations individuals or organisations working in media, cultural documentation, or storytelling.
3. What is the project duration?
Projects must be completed within 12 months, from June 2026 to June 2027.
4. What types of projects are supported?
Broadcasting, podcasting, storytelling, language documentation, cultural recordings, and media skills development initiatives.
5. Are there cultural protocols to follow?
Yes, projects must comply with First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols, including consultation, consent, and benefit sharing.
6. Is training and technical support included?
Yes, successful applicants receive guidance to enhance production quality, audience reach, and sustainability.
7. How does the fund support communities?
By preserving cultural knowledge, developing media skills, and amplifying First Nations voices, ensuring long-term community engagement.
Conclusion
The Storytelling and Recording – First Nations Project Fund empowers First Nations communities to share their stories, preserve languages, and strengthen media skills. By providing financial support, training, and cultural guidance, the program ensures that First Nations voices are celebrated, respected, and sustainably documented for current and future generations.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.