Submit Applications for Art Equipment Grants (Australia)

The Arts Equipment Grants (AEG), offered through the Northern Territory Government’s Arts Grants Program, provide funding of up to AUD 10,000 to help eligible arts organisations purchase new equipment that supports the production, presentation, promotion, and sale of Northern Territory artworks. The program aims to strengthen arts infrastructure, improve creative capacity, and increase access to quality arts facilities across the Northern Territory.

About the Program

The Arts Equipment Grants (AEG) support arts organisations in acquiring essential new equipment that enhances artistic production, exhibition, promotion, storage, documentation, and sales of Northern Territory artworks.

The program forms part of the Northern Territory Government’s Arts Grants Program, administered by Arts NT, and helps organisations build long-term capacity by investing in equipment that benefits artists, members, audiences, and communities.

Priority may be given to Remote and Very Remote arts organisations and Aboriginal-owned art centres where the equipment will improve access to arts production, presentation, and commercial opportunities.

Program Objectives

The Arts Equipment Grants aim to:

• Strengthen Northern Territory arts organisations.
• Improve arts production and creative practice.
• Enhance exhibition and presentation facilities.
• Increase opportunities for promoting and selling artworks.
• Support sustainable arts infrastructure.
• Improve documentation, storage, and display of artworks.
• Expand access to quality arts equipment across the Northern Territory.

Eligible Equipment

Funding supports the purchase of new equipment used for arts activities.

Arts Production Equipment

Examples include:

• Kilns
• Printing presses
• Amplifiers
• Other production equipment used to create artworks

Arts Presentation Equipment

Examples include:

• Sound systems
• Gallery fittings
• Exhibition equipment

Storage, Display and Documentation Equipment

Examples include:

• Display units
• Storage drawers
• Stretchers
• Furniture used for artwork storage or display
• Documentation equipment

Funding Information

Successful applicants may receive:

• Maximum Grant: Up to AUD 10,000 per application per financial year.
• Funding may cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.
• Equipment can only be purchased after the funding agreement has been executed.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

• Meet the General Eligibility Requirements of the Arts Grants Program.
• Be eligible arts organisations operating in the Northern Territory.
• Submit a complete application with all required supporting documentation.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Purchase of eligible new arts equipment.
• Equipment supporting production, presentation, promotion, sales, storage, display, and documentation of artworks.

Ineligible Expenses

The grant does not support:

• Consumable items such as:
  • Paint
  • Paper
  • Staples
  • Fuel
• Vehicles of any type.
• Trailers.
• Previously purchased equipment.
• Equipment purchased before the funding agreement is signed.

Special Requirements

Applicants should note the following:

• Equipment fixed to a building requires written approval from the building owner.
• Purchased equipment becomes an organisational asset.
• The equipment must remain available for members and authorised users.
• All expenditure must comply with the Buy Local Plan.
• Organisations registered for GST must prepare budgets excluding GST.

Required Supporting Documents

Applications should include:

• Project budget.
• Quotes for grant-funded expenses exceeding AUD 1,000.
• Supporting budget documentation.
• Building owner’s approval where equipment will be permanently installed.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed by an independent panel considering factors such as:

• Suitability of the proposed equipment.
• Benefit to the organisation and community.
• Value for money.
• Organisational need.
• Contribution to arts production, presentation, promotion, or sales.
• Previous Arts NT funding for similar equipment.
• Additional need or expanded use where replacement or duplicate equipment is requested.

Reporting Requirements

Successful recipients must:

• Purchase equipment only after signing the funding agreement.
• Complete approved activities according to the funding conditions.
• Submit a case study report within three months of completing the funded activity.

Notification Timeline

Successful applicants are expected to be notified from 26 October 2026.

Why This Grant Matters

Access to modern, high-quality equipment enables arts organisations to improve creative production, preserve artworks, expand exhibitions, increase sales opportunities, and deliver stronger cultural experiences for artists and communities.

The program also supports long-term sustainability by strengthening arts infrastructure throughout the Northern Territory, particularly in remote communities and Aboriginal-owned art centres.

How to Apply

Follow these steps before submitting your application:

1. Confirm your organisation meets the Arts Grants Program eligibility requirements.
2. Identify the eligible equipment your organisation requires.
3. Obtain quotes for equipment costing more than AUD 1,000.
4. Prepare a detailed project budget.
5. Obtain written approval if equipment will be fixed to a building.
6. Complete the official application form.
7. Submit all required supporting documents.
8. Wait for assessment and notification.
9. Purchase equipment only after the funding agreement has been executed.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain how the equipment will improve your organisation’s capacity.
• Demonstrate long-term community benefit.
• Include accurate supplier quotations.
• Ensure the budget complies with GST requirements.
• Explain any previous Arts NT funding for similar equipment.
• Highlight benefits for remote communities where applicable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Purchasing equipment before the funding agreement is signed.
• Including ineligible expenses such as consumables or vehicles.
• Forgetting to provide required quotations.
• Omitting building owner approval for permanently installed equipment.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Requesting funding for equipment previously funded without demonstrating additional need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for Arts Equipment Grants?

Eligible arts organisations that meet the General Eligibility Requirements of the Arts Grants Program may apply.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to AUD 10,000 per application each financial year.

What equipment can be funded?

The grant supports new equipment used for arts production, presentation, promotion, storage, documentation, and artwork sales.

Are consumables eligible?

No. Consumable items such as paint, paper, staples, and fuel are not eligible for funding.

Can vehicles be purchased through this grant?

No. Vehicles and trailers are specifically excluded from funding.

When can equipment be purchased?

Equipment may only be purchased after the funding agreement has been executed.

What reporting is required?

Successful recipients must submit a case study report within three months after completing the approved activity.

Conclusion

The Arts Equipment Grants (AEG) provide valuable financial support for Northern Territory arts organisations seeking to strengthen their creative infrastructure through the purchase of new equipment. With grants of up to AUD 10,000, the program helps organisations improve arts production, exhibitions, promotion, documentation, and sales while building long-term capacity and supporting vibrant arts communities across the Northern Territory.