Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Arts Activities Funding Program 2025–26 supports Canberra-based artists, groups, and organisations to deliver creative projects that strengthen artistic practice, cultural participation, and industry development. It offers grants from $500 to $50,000 across two funding categories with different timelines and assessment processes. The program prioritizes innovation, collaboration, audience engagement, and growth of Canberra’s arts and cultural sector.
Overview
The Arts Activities Funding Program 2025–26 is an initiative supporting artistic and cultural development in Canberra. It provides financial assistance to artists, collectives, and organisations to create, develop, and present arts activities that contribute to the growth of the local creative sector.
The program aims to strengthen Canberra’s arts ecosystem by funding projects across multiple disciplines and encouraging broader community participation in arts and culture.
Program Objectives and Strategic Priorities
The funding program is designed to support a strong and sustainable creative sector.
Key objectives include:
- Creating high-quality art and cultural experiences for the community
- Strengthening arts, cultural, and creative industries in Canberra
- Supporting artistic development, creative practice, and infrastructure
- Promoting Canberra as a hub for arts, culture, and creative investment
- Increasing audience engagement locally, nationally, and internationally
- Encouraging innovation, experimentation, and collaboration
Strategic priorities for funded projects include:
- Expanding creative participation and cultural inclusion
- Building partnerships and cross-sector collaborations
- Supporting professional and artistic development
- Encouraging innovation in creative practice
- Strengthening Canberra’s cultural economy
- Increasing audience reach and visibility
- Supporting national and international artistic exchanges and residencies
- Showcasing creative work across multiple platforms and audiences
Funding Categories
The program is divided into two main funding streams:
Up to $5,000 Funding Category
This category supports small-scale creative projects.
Key features:
- Grants range from $500 to $5,000
- Applications accepted throughout the year
- Must be submitted at least six weeks before project start date
- Assessed by artsACT staff
- Applicants may receive funding once per calendar year (with limited exceptions)
This category is ideal for emerging artists, pilot projects, and short-term creative activities.
$5,000–$50,000 Funding Category
This category supports larger and more complex projects.
Key features:
- Grants range from over $5,000 up to $50,000
- Two funding rounds per financial year
- Assessed by peer review panels
Funding rounds schedule:
- Round One:
- Opens 1 December
- Closes 28 February
- Outcomes announced by 31 May
- Projects commence from 1 July
- Round Two:
- Opens 1 June
- Closes 31 July
- Outcomes announced by 31 October
- Projects commence from 1 January
This category supports established artists, organisations, and larger-scale cultural projects.
Eligible Art Forms and Activities
The program supports a wide range of creative disciplines and cultural activities.
Eligible art forms include:
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual arts
- Literature
- Digital games
- Screen production
- New media arts
- Arts-based festivals
- Interdisciplinary and experimental art forms
Eligible activities may include:
- Creative production and presentation
- Artistic development and research
- Cultural events and festivals
- Touring and exhibitions
- Community arts engagement
- Professional development programs
- International collaborations and residencies
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is primarily focused on Canberra-based creative practitioners and organisations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual artists residing in Canberra
- Groups and collectives based in Canberra
- Unincorporated arts collaborations (with a nominated responsible person)
- Incorporated organisations located in Canberra
Residency and Citizenship Requirements
Individual applicants must be:
- Australian citizens, or
- Permanent residents, or
- New Zealand Special Category visa holders, or
- Temporary visa holders with at least two years validity remaining
Additional Eligibility Rules
- Majority of group members must reside in Canberra for group applications
- Applicants outside Canberra may be eligible if they demonstrate strong, ongoing professional engagement with the ACT arts sector
- Aboriginal traditional custodians of Ngunnawal Country are eligible regardless of residential address
Governance Requirements for Groups
- Unincorporated groups must nominate a legally responsible individual, or
- Apply through an incorporated auspicing organisation
Funding Overview (2025–26 Allocation)
Total funding available for the program is approximately:
- AUD 1.35 million total program budget
- Around AUD 300,000 allocated to the Up to $5k category
- Approximately AUD 1.05 million allocated across the $5k–$50k funding rounds
This funding supports both small-scale grassroots initiatives and larger institutional creative projects.
How the Program Works
The application and assessment process depends on the funding category.
General process:
- Identify an eligible arts or cultural project
- Confirm eligibility based on residency and project requirements
- Choose the appropriate funding category
- Prepare a project proposal outlining objectives and outcomes
- Submit application before deadlines or at least six weeks prior (for small grants)
- Assessment occurs either by artsACT staff or peer panels
- Successful applicants receive funding for project delivery
Why This Program Matters
The Arts Activities Funding Program plays a key role in strengthening Canberra’s creative economy.
Key benefits include:
- Supporting local artists and creative industries
- Increasing access to arts and cultural experiences
- Encouraging innovation and experimentation
- Strengthening professional arts careers
- Building community engagement through creative projects
- Expanding national and international cultural connections
The program ensures long-term cultural development and sustainability in the ACT arts sector.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Applying without meeting residency requirements
- Missing submission deadlines or lead times
- Failing to align projects with program priorities
- Providing unclear project outcomes or budgets
- Choosing the wrong funding category
Strong applications clearly demonstrate artistic value, community impact, and feasibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Arts Activities Funding Program 2025–26?
It is a Canberra-based arts funding program supporting creative projects across multiple disciplines.
What is the maximum funding available?
Grants range from $500 up to $50,000 depending on the category.
Who can apply for funding?
Individual artists, groups, collectives, and organisations based in Canberra may apply.
Can applicants outside Canberra apply?
Yes, but only if they demonstrate strong, ongoing professional engagement with the ACT arts sector.
How often can I apply for the $5k category?
Applicants may receive funding once per calendar year under normal conditions.
What art forms are eligible?
Eligible forms include dance, music, theatre, visual arts, literature, digital games, screen, and more.
How are applications assessed?
Small grants are assessed by artsACT staff, while larger grants are assessed by peer panels.
Conclusion
The Arts Activities Funding Program 2025–26 is a major support system for Canberra’s creative sector, enabling artists and organisations to develop innovative, inclusive, and impactful cultural projects. By offering flexible funding options and encouraging diverse artistic expression, the program strengthens the region’s cultural ecosystem and promotes long-term creative growth.
For more information, visit ACT Government.