Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $10,000 to $100,000
- Application opened: 24 March 2025
- Application closed: 30 April 2025, 5:00 pm
Program objective
In response to Creative Communities, the NSW arts, culture and creative industries policy, the purpose of this funding is to strengthen communities though equitable access to vibrant arts and cultural experiences.
This funding will:
- enable the creation and presentation of new work and the ability to access resources and expertise for individual artists projects or artistic/professional development
- create more employment and professional development opportunities for First Nations artists and cultural workers
- invest in First Nations led organisations and help cultural workers become leaders
- enable the sharing of First Nations stories and truth telling
- support personal and community wellbeing and economic development.
Image Credit: Bark canoe artifacts and projection mapping Baranguba, Yuin Theatre Bay Pavilions 2024 Photography Scott Baker
This program is administered by Create NSW.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Individuals:
- First Nations Individuals must be 18 years or above
- Located in NSW for the last 12 months.
Groups or other entities that do not have legal status:
- Applicants must be First Nations and 18 years or above
- All members must be currently located in NSW for the last 12 months
Organisations or partnerships with legal status:
- First Nations organisations operating in NSW for the last 12 months
Note: Preference will be given to NSW-based organisations. It is highly recommended that non-NSW based organisations discuss their application with Create NSW before applying.
If successful, all applicants must have an active ABN with a nominated bank account or provide details of a funds administrator.
- Individuals must have a sole trader ABN or private company ABN (only if the individual is the sole director) or a funds administrator and a nominated bank account.
- Unincorporated groups, cooperatives, ensembles, unincorporated associations, or other entities that do not have legal status, must be contracted by an individual or a funds administrator on behalf of the group, association or organisation.
- Organisations and partnerships with legal status must have an ABN which matches their entity name and a nominated bank account.
For more information on ABN and entities please use this link.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Funding is available for First Nations people or organisations that want to:
- Support First Nations arts and culture
- Share the storytelling of First Nations elders
- Make arts and culture available to everyone including people with disabilities
- Maintain and grow collections and archives at First Nations cultural centres or keeping places
- Create and manage cultural festivals and events that celebrate the diversity of First Nations people
- Promote and market arts and cultural events to reach more people
- Join in cultural community gatherings and forums.
What costs you can apply for
Costs you need to cover to make sure your project is a success:
- Renting or hiring of space for workshops, rehearsals, shows, exhibitions or presentations
- Travel and accommodation costs related to your project
- Fees for development opportunities, mentorships, workshops and courses related to the research and development of the project
- Marketing and promotion expenses
- Costs of materials for the creation of new work
- Costs to support aboriginal protocols
- Costs to support accessibility
- Paying artist fees based on awards and appropriate industry rates
- Note: Events or activities receiving funding from Create NSW, must pay at least $250 fee for musicians. This fee is based on a ‘3 hour call’ as set out in the Live Performance Award and endorsed by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Who can’t apply
Ineligible applicants:
- Individuals, groups,organisations or other entities who aren't First Nations
- Have received funding before from Create NSW or Sound NSW for the same part of their project.
- Have already started their project.
- Will start or finish the project before the funding period starts.
- Are State or federal government department/agency, including state cultural institutions.
- Are Local Government Authorities.
- Are schools and educational institutions (including preschools, primary and secondary schools).
- Key Festivals, State Significant Organisations & a National Performing Arts Partnership Organisation.
- Receiving Create NSW ACFP Multi-year funding or Annual Organisation Funding.
- Want funding related to films, TV shows, or film festivals. For this, you should contact Screen NSW.
- Want funding related to contemporary music (please refer to the glossary for this definition). For more information on this, you should contact Sound NSW.
- Are employed by Create NSW or were employed in the last 12 months.
- If you were successful in receiving funding from the previous project round (Creative Steps, Cultural Access and Creative Nations Projects), you can’t apply or be successful in this round of project funding.
- Note: You can apply if you were successful in Next Steps – Professional Development.
What costs you can't apply for
- Projects or activities that directly support the delivery or course requirements of an educational institution’s program or course
- Projects or activities that are led by people who aren’t professional artists, arts and cultural workers, or creatives
- Paying back money for items you’ve already bought
- Buying equipment that isn’t directly used in your project
- Capital Works (infrastructure/building works). For this, contact Create Infrastructure
- Fundraising and donations
- Awards, prizes, competitions, or prize money
- Paying back loans.
Example projects
Guidance for First Nations applicants When applying for grants or funding, it's important to present your responses clearly and effectively. One useful method for structuring your answers is the STAR method. This method helps you provide comprehensive and organised responses by breaking down your assessment criteria answers into four parts: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here's why using the STAR method is beneficial and how to apply it:
Why Use the STAR Method?
- Clarity: It helps you clearly explain your experiences and actions.
- Relevance: It ensures your responses are directly related to the criteria.
- Structure: It provides a logical flow, making it easier for reviewers to understand your application.
- Impact: It highlights the outcomes and impact of your actions, demonstrating your effectiveness.
How to Use the STAR Method
- Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation.
- Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced.
- Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task.
- Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions.
Example Projects Using the STAR Method
Example 1: First Nations Dancer
Situation: I am a First Nations dancer from a remote community, and I want to explore and integrate traditional and contemporary dance practices. My goal is to develop a full-scale work that will celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage while introducing innovative elements.
Task: I need to undertake a creative development project that includes work-in-progress showings to engage the community and gather feedback.
Action: I will collaborate with community elders and local artists to organise a series of workshops and rehearsals. These sessions will focus on traditional dance techniques, storytelling, and contemporary choreography. I will also hold work-in-progress showings to involve the community and receive their input.
Result: The project will successfully blend traditional and contemporary dance practices, creating a unique and culturally rich performance. The community's involvement and feedback will be instrumental in shaping the final work. I will gain valuable insights and skills, and the project will lay the foundation for a full-scale production in the future. The community will feel a sense of pride and ownership, and the project will strengthen cultural connections and preserve our heritage.
Example 2: First Nations Arts Organisation
Situation: Our First Nations arts organisation aims to curate a visual arts exhibition that showcases the diverse art forms of multiple regional First Nations artists. Our goal is to bring these artworks to a metropolitan audience and highlight the rich cultural heritage of different First Nations communities across NSW.
Task: We need to coordinate with regional artists, curate the exhibition, and ensure that the artworks are presented in a way that respects and celebrates their cultural significance.
Action: We will reach out to regional First Nations artists and invite them to participate in the exhibition. We will provide support for the artists, including transportation of artworks, promotional activities, and logistical arrangements. The curation process will involve close collaboration with the artists to ensure that their stories and cultural contexts are accurately represented. We will also plan a series of public programs, including artist talks and workshops, to engage the metropolitan audience.
Result: The exhibition will successfully showcase the diverse art forms and cultural heritage of First Nations communities across NSW. It will receive positive feedback from both the artists and the audience. The regional artists will gain exposure and new opportunities, and the metropolitan audience will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations art and culture. The project will foster cultural exchange, strengthen community connections, and promote inclusivity and diversity.
By using the STAR method, you can provide clear, detailed, and impactful responses that effectively demonstrate your alignment with the assessment criteria. This approach helps ensure that your application stands out and accurately reflects the value and significance of your project.
What co-contributions are required
Create NSW does not fund 100% of your project’s income. You must contribute at least 5% from other cash or in-kind support towards your project. The definition of in-kind can be seen in the glossary.
Additional eligibility requirements
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion. This includes:
- Organisations will need to provide a description of their workplace safety and wellbeing activities and policy.
- The project must start after 1 September 2025 and be completed by 31 December 2026.
- You can only submit one project application in this Project Funding round (ACFP funding with the same closing date).
What your application needs to include
- Read the guidelines
- Check your eligibility
- Samples of work
- Letters of invitation, collaboration, or partnership (where applicable)
- Outcome information including location, estimated employment and audience numbers (if applicable)
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Connection to Country (30%)
Details of the location/s for the proposed project.
Question: How does the location provide access to the intended audience or benefit the First Nations communities involved?
You may want to consider the following:
- Where will the project activities take place?
- Why are these the most appropriate places for the project?
- How will the project create meaningful connection with artists, communities and/or audiences?
- Who is your audience?
Idea (25%)
A vision for your project that clearly summarises the ideas, its aims and purpose.
Question: What do you want to do?
You may want to consider the following:
- What is your idea for this project?
- What do you want to achieve?
- What is interesting about it?
- What will you communicate to other artists, communities and /or audiences?
Diversity and participation (20%)
Demonstrate how your project is relevant to/or will benefit First Nations' artists, arts and cultural workers, or communities.
Question: Why do you want to do it?
You may want to consider the following:
- Who is the project relevant to?
- Who will it benefit e.g.: artists, communities and/or audiences?
- How does the project reflect the diversity of First Nations people in NSW?
- What are the results you want to see at the completion of your project?
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring fair access by all communities and individuals across the state. If the activity engages with the needs of a community or has outcomes that benefit specific Strategic Priority Areas, please include these details.
The Strategic Priority Areas are:
- First Nations stories and communities
- Accessibility and equity
- Regional NSW
- Western Sydney
- Broad and inclusive communities and content
- Next generation of creatives and audiences
See the glossary for definitions of Strategic Priority Areas
Experience (15%)
List the artistic experience of those involved in the project.
Question: Who is involved and why are they the right people for this activity?
You may want to consider the following:
- What experience do the individuals or organisations involved bring to this project?
- What skills and expertise do the artists/arts and cultural workers or organisations involved have that will ensure the activity is a success?
- How will those involved help build sustainable careers and professional skills for First Nations people and communities?
Sustainability (10%)
Provide a budget to support your project.
Question: How will the funding be spent?
You may want to consider the following:
- How your budget reflects efficient use of funds to achieve the project’s goals?
- What other sources of funding are there for your project?
Individuals, groups and organisations can apply for either:
- Small projects from $10,000 up to $40,000
- Large projects from $40,001 up to $100,000
These will be assessed separately to ensure equity and fairness.
Create NSW does not fund 100% of your project. You must contribute at least 5% from other cash or in-kind support towards your project. The definition of in-kind can be seen in the glossary.
If successful, you may be required to provide a more detailed budget prior to contracting.
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Minister for the Arts
Pre-eligibility After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email from SmartyGrants. Create NSW staff will review your application to check eligibility and ensure all materials are acceptable.
Assessment Stage 1 Once eligibility is confirmed, the Artform Board will assess your application based on the criteria and guidelines. Funding is competitive and will consider various factors like demographics, distribution, organisation type, and project scale.
Artform Boards:
- may set aside an application if it is assessed as below acceptable in any one of the published criteria.
- consider whether an application needs to be reallocated to another board for assessment.
- ask for a Cultural Review from Create NSW First Nations staff or the First Nations Arts and Culture Artform Board for applications with First Nations content and engagement.
Assessment Stage 2 Create NSW will consolidate and finalise recommendations based on the Artform Boards assessments, number of applications by artform, availability of funds, Strategic Priority Areas and geographic spread to ensure equity and the best outcomes for NSW government investment.
Assessment process considerations
Applicants should note that:
- The NSW Government typically receives far more applications than it can support.
- You are not guaranteed funding even if your application meets the published criteria.
- If you are successful, your application may not be funded to the amount you requested.
Create NSW may, at its sole discretion and at any stage of the application process, do all or any of the following:
- Require additional information from an applicant.
- May request applicants to provide clarification or additional information regarding the eligibility criteria.
- Change the scope of the requirements of these guidelines.
- Vary, amend (including by replacement), or terminate the application process.
- Re-open an application after the closing date, provided it doesn’t give the applicant an advantage over other applicants.
- Consider any non-conforming or late application.
- Request further advice and/or clarification from applicants during the assessment process.
Successful Grant Applications If your application is successful: you will be sent a funding agreement (contract). This outlines the conditions of funding, how you will be paid and your reporting requirements.
All applicants must have an active ABN with a nominated bank account or provide details of a funds administrator.
- Individuals must have a sole trader ABN or private company ABN (only if the individual is the sole director) or a funds administrator and a nominated bank account.
- Unincorporated groups, associations, organisations or other entities that do not have legal status must be contracted by an individual or a funds administrator on behalf of the group, association or organisation.
- Partnerships and organisations with legal status must have an ABN which matches their entity name and a nominated bank account.
The Nominated Bank Account must be a separate account at a financial institution used solely for the Grant, or an existing general account at a financial institution where adequate internal financial controls are in place to identify the Grant.
All applicants must:
- complete an acquittal at the end of the funding period. This may include an online meeting to discuss outcomes of the project.
- acknowledgment of Create NSW funding in all publicity materials.
You may be asked to provide:
- evidence of First Nations Artform Affirmation, as well as adherence to the ICIP and First Nations Protocols prior to contracting, if appropriate. For more information visit the Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Protocols | NSW Government
- a detailed budget
Create NSW staff may contact you for additional information as part of this process.
Contracts will not be issued, and payments will not be made, until all Create NSW/Sound NSW outstanding acquittals have been submitted.
Feedback on Create NSW project funding application results Create NSW staff continue to help and support applicants who are preparing new funding applications. However, we have shifted away from providing individualised feedback on past applications to continue to meet service standards for the processing and assessment of applications.
Program staff will no longer discuss past applications. Applicants applying in future rounds are encouraged to book an appointment with an Arts Funding and Development staff member to clarify any questions related to the application process.
Publication of grants information The Grants Administration Guide (Guide) requires that certain information is published in relation to grants awarded no later than 45 calendar days after the grant agreement takes effect (see section 6.5 of the Guide and Appendix A to the Guide).
This information is also open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act), which must be made publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.
In accordance with these requirements, relevant information about the grants awarded will be made available on the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder as soon as possible after the funding agreement is executed. However, if due to the commercial-in-confidence nature of the information provided, the amount of funding provided will not be published.
All records in relation to this decision will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the State Records Act 1998 (NSW).
Please refer to Information for Funding Recipients for more detailed processes for successful applicants.
This includes:
- Program evaluation
- Conflict of interest management
- Organisations working with First Nations people or communities
- Complaint handling, access to information and privacy
Anticipated assessment outcome date is within one week of the final approval of funding commitments by government. The anticipated assessment outcome timeframe is eight weeks after closing date
Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is within one month of successful notification
Support and contact
Create NSW staff are available to provide general information on the interpretation of these guidelines and support with the online application process.
- Email: arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au
- Phone: (02) 9228 4578
- Schedule a pre-application online meeting to speak to Create NSW staff using the link to Microsoft Bookings
- Visit our website