What's changed?

This grant is available to applicants whose primary practice is within the arts, creative and cultural sector. 

Key dates

Notification to applicants: 28 January 2026

Grant guidelines

Of the three Creative City Grants (Creative Seed, Arts Projects, or Creative Commissions), you may submit only one application per financial year. This means you’ll need to choose the grant that best fits your creative proposal, as multiple applications across these three categories are not permitted within the same year.

To confirm the eligibility of your organisation and activity, please read the grant guidelines before applying. 

Who can apply?

This grant is available to applicants whose primary practice is within the arts, creative and cultural sector.

To apply for this grant you must be one of the following:

• incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• unincorporated group with an auspice
• registered charitable organisation
•  business
• individuals operating as sole traders (with an active ABN).

What can you apply for?

High quality, inspiring works that push the boundaries of traditional artistic expression.

Activities may include visual arts and craft, music, performing arts, literature and writing, design, screen and media, digital media and creative technology, cultural heritage and collections, community arts and cultural development.

How much can you apply for?

There is a total grant pool of $80,000 available.

Applicants may ask for up to $20,000.

How to apply

• Read the grant guidelines.
• Check you are an eligible applicant.
• Check your activity is eligible.
• Get in touch with us - please discuss your activity with us before applying.
  [email protected] or phone 03 5272 5560
• Collate your supporting documents.
• Answer the questions in the application form.
• Don't forget to hit the submit button.

We recommend saving your progress every 10–15 minutes. If your computer is inactive for 20 minutes, your session will time out.

2025-26 Arts Projects, Creative Commissions and Creative Seed Grants Information Session

On 7 August the 2025, the Arts Projects, Creative Commissions and Creative Seed Grants Information Session was held.
Here is the presentation.