Deadline: 25-May-2026
The Creative Steps – New Work Grants is a New South Wales arts funding programme that supports individual artists and cultural workers in developing and presenting new creative work. Grants range from AUD 10,000 to AUD 75,000 and are designed to strengthen the arts sector by supporting creative development, community engagement, and collaboration with cultural organisations across NSW.
Creative Steps – New Work Grants Overview
This programme, delivered in New South Wales, Australia, focuses on enabling artists and cultural workers to create and present new work that contributes to vibrant cultural experiences for communities and audiences.
It encourages collaboration between individual practitioners and arts organisations while improving access to arts and cultural participation across the state.
Program Objectives and Focus Areas
The grant aims to:
- Support creation and presentation of new artistic and cultural work
- Strengthen NSW arts and cultural communities
- Improve access to cultural experiences for audiences and communities
- Support professional development of artists and cultural workers
- Encourage collaboration with arts and cultural organisations
- Increase creative innovation and cultural expression
- Promote inclusive and accessible arts practices
The programme prioritises direct community benefit through creative activity.
Funding Overview
- Grant amount: AUD 10,000 to AUD 75,000
- Funding type: Project-based arts grants
- Geographic focus: New South Wales (NSW), Australia
- Purpose: Development and presentation of new creative work
Eligible Activities and Costs
Funding can be used for:
- Creative development and production of new work
- Artist and cultural worker fees
- Venue hire for workshops, exhibitions, or presentations
- Travel and accommodation related to the project
- Mentorships and professional development activities
- Research and development workshops
- Marketing and promotional activities
- Materials and production costs
- Accessibility support for audiences and participants
- Costs related to First Nations protocols and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
Ineligible Activities and Projects
Funding cannot be used for:
- Film production, screen projects, or mainstream animation
- Film festivals or contemporary music projects
- Projects already funded by Create NSW or Sound NSW for the same scope
- Projects already started before application
- Fundraising activities or prize-based projects
- Educational coursework or degree-related projects
- Loan repayments or unrelated expenses
- Purchase of assets not linked to the project
Eligibility Criteria
Individual Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered if successful
- Have lived in NSW for at least 12 months
Unincorporated Groups
Groups without legal status must:
- Have a lead applicant aged 18+
- Hold an active ABN or be administratively supported if successful
- Ensure majority of members have lived in NSW for 12 months or more
- Provide a signed agreement outlining roles and responsibilities
Administrative Requirements
Successful applicants must provide:
- Active ABN details
- Nominated bank account OR funds administrator details
- Formal agreement (for groups)
Programme Requirements and Expectations
Applicants are expected to:
- Deliver a clearly defined new creative work
- Engage meaningfully with NSW communities or audiences
- Demonstrate artistic or cultural practice
- Provide clear planning and budgeting for project delivery
- Ensure accessibility and inclusion in project outcomes
- Show collaboration with cultural or arts organisations where relevant
Why This Programme Matters
The Creative Steps – New Work Grants is important because it:
- Supports independent artists and cultural workers
- Encourages innovation in arts and cultural expression
- Expands access to arts experiences across NSW
- Strengthens collaboration within the cultural sector
- Promotes inclusive and accessible creative practice
- Enhances professional development opportunities
- Contributes to the cultural economy of New South Wales
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be unsuccessful if they:
- Do not meet NSW residency requirements
- Lack a clear new work focus
- Include ineligible activities (film, music projects, etc.)
- Propose projects already started before funding
- Fail to demonstrate community or audience benefit
- Do not include a clear budget or delivery plan
- Ignore ABN or administrative requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define your new creative work and outcomes
- Show how the project benefits NSW communities or audiences
- Demonstrate strong artistic practice and experience
- Include realistic timelines and budgets
- Highlight collaboration with cultural organisations
- Ensure accessibility and inclusion are integrated into the project
- Align the proposal with arts and cultural development goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Creative Steps – New Work Grants?
Individual artists and cultural workers based in New South Wales.
What is the funding range?
Between AUD 10,000 and AUD 75,000.
Can organisations apply?
No, funding is for individuals or unincorporated groups only.
What is the main purpose of the grant?
To support creation and presentation of new arts and cultural work.
Are film or music projects eligible?
No, screen production, film festivals, and contemporary music projects are excluded.
Do applicants need to live in NSW?
Yes, applicants must have lived in NSW for at least 12 months.
Can already-started projects apply?
No, projects must not have started before the application.
Conclusion
The Creative Steps – New Work Grants is a targeted funding programme supporting individual artists and cultural workers in New South Wales to develop new creative work. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, it strengthens the state’s cultural ecosystem and expands access to diverse and inclusive artistic experiences.
For more information, visit Create NSW.