Deadline: 14-Oct-2025
The International Engagement Fund provides support to Australian artists and creative workers to undertake reciprocal international exchange activities with confirmed international partners.
The program seeks to expand mobility through digital, hybrid, and in-person models, harness technologies for creation and global visibility, and foster reciprocal partnerships across regions and industries. It prioritises First Nations-led exchanges, amplifies Asia Pacific engagement, and supports sustainable careers by diversifying income streams. It encourages innovation, experimentation, and risk-taking, while centring equity, access, and diversity. Sustainability is embedded through best-practice models that reduce the cultural sector’s carbon footprint.
Funding of between $5,000 to $30,000 is available for reciprocal international exchange activities that benefit Australian artists and creative workers. Funding can be applied for artist and creative worker fees, flights, accommodation, per diems, ground transport, travel insurance, visas, freight, production expenses, marketing, promotion, childcare, carer and access costs, and costs related to reducing environmental impact. Access costs for applicants who are d/Deaf or living with disability are also eligible.
Eligible applicants include Australian artists and creative workers who do not work in contemporary music, as well as individuals, groups, organisations, and small businesses. International organisations can also apply if their projects benefit practicing Australian artists, their work, or Australian audiences. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and the project must involve confirmed international partners.
Applications will be assessed against three criteria: viability, impact, and alignment. Viability considers the applicant’s capacity to deliver, relevance of activities, planning, safety, payments to artists, governance, co-funding, consultation, and adherence to protocols. Impact focuses on developing international markets, enhancing global networks, and contributing to a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive sector. Alignment evaluates how the project supports the strategic priorities of the International Engagement Strategy 2021–2025.
Applicants must complete a project title, summary, outline, timetable, outcomes, budget, and provide relevant support materials. Support material may include up to three URLs linking to video, audio, images, or written material, brief bios or CVs of key personnel, and up to five letters of support. The deadline for applications is 14 October 2025.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.