CFPs: Visual Arts Major Commissioning Projects (Australia)

The Visual Arts Major Commissioning Projects grant by Creative Australia provides $100,000 to support artists in creating new visual arts or craft works for national or international presentation. The programme funds the development of new commissions while promoting accessibility and inclusive artistic practices. Applicants must be Australian artists with a confirmed institutional partner offering a paid presentation opportunity before June 2028.

Overview of the Programme

The Visual Arts Major Commissioning Projects grant supports the creation and presentation of new visual arts and craft works.

It is designed to:

• Enable ambitious new artistic commissions
• Support artists working at a high professional level
• Facilitate national and international presentation
• Promote inclusive and accessible arts practices

Key Objectives

The programme focuses on supporting high-quality artistic production.

Core objectives include:

• Funding creation of new artworks or bodies of work
• Supporting professional artistic development
• Enabling public presentation through institutions
• Encouraging accessibility and inclusive design
• Ensuring cultural protocols are respected where relevant

What the Grant Supports

The funding is specifically for creation and development, not duplication of existing support.

Supported activities:

• Development of new visual art or craft works
• Research and artistic experimentation
• Production of new commissions
• Preparation for exhibition or presentation

Accessibility support:

Applicants can include costs such as:

• Interpretation services
• Translation
• Captioning
• Audio description
• Adaptive materials for accessibility

Funding Details

• Grant amount: $100,000
• Purpose: Creation of new work
• Not intended for: Covering artist or production fees already paid by presenting institutions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements.

Who can apply:

• Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Must be residing in Australia
• Practicing visual artists or craft practitioners
• Individuals or groups

Mandatory requirement:

• Must have a confirmed invitation from a presenting institution
• Presentation must occur before 30 June 2028

Institutional requirements:

• Must operate a publicly accessible venue
• Must provide a cash artist fee
• Can be based in Australia or internationally

Who is Not Eligible?

Applicants will not be considered if they:

• Already applied in the same funding round
• Received this grant in the last four rounds
• Received funding from Creative Australia for the same project
• Have overdue reports or outstanding debts
• Are organisations (only individual artists or groups eligible)
• Reside outside Australia

What is a Commissioned Artwork?

A commissioned artwork is:

• A new piece created for a specific exhibition or institution
• Developed in response to a brief or curatorial context
• Presented publicly for audiences

This grant supports original, not previously created work.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects should achieve:

• Creation of high-quality new artworks
• Public presentation in professional settings
• Increased visibility for artists
• Broader audience engagement
• Inclusive and accessible artistic experiences

Why This Programme Matters

This grant plays a key role in supporting Australia’s creative sector.

Key impacts:

• Enables ambitious large-scale artistic projects
• Supports international exposure for Australian artists
• Encourages inclusive and accessible art practices
• Strengthens collaboration between artists and institutions
• Promotes cultural diversity and innovation

How to Apply

Step-by-step process:

• Develop a concept for a new commissioned artwork
• Secure a confirmed invitation from a presenting institution
• Ensure institution provides a cash artist fee
• Prepare a detailed project proposal and budget
• Include accessibility considerations where relevant
• Submit application to Creative Australia
• Await assessment and selection outcome

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Artistic merit and originality
• Feasibility of the project
• Strength of partnership with presenting institution
• Audience engagement and accessibility
• Alignment with programme objectives

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Eligibility mistakes:

• Applying without confirmed institutional invitation
• Not meeting residency or citizenship requirements

Proposal mistakes:

• Submitting previously developed work
• Weak or unclear artistic concept
• Missing accessibility considerations

Funding mistakes:

• Including costs already covered by institution
• Not demonstrating institutional cash artist fee

Tips for Strong Applications

• Present a clear and compelling artistic vision
• Secure a strong institutional partner
• Emphasise originality and innovation
• Include detailed and realistic budget
• Highlight accessibility and inclusion strategies
• Show audience impact and engagement potential

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant for?

It supports the creation of new visual arts or craft works for public presentation.

How much funding is available?

Each selected project receives $100,000.

Who can apply?

Australian artists or groups residing in Australia.

Do I need a partner institution?

Yes, a confirmed invitation from a presenting institution is mandatory.

Can international institutions be partners?

Yes, as long as they provide a cash artist fee and public presentation.

What costs are covered?

Creation, development, and accessibility-related costs.

Can I apply if I received this grant before?

Not if you received it within the last four rounds.

Conclusion

The Visual Arts Major Commissioning Projects grant is a significant funding opportunity for Australian artists to create ambitious new work and present it on national or international stages. By supporting innovation, accessibility, and collaboration with institutions, the programme strengthens the visual arts sector and enables artists to expand their creative and professional reach.