Grants and initiatives
The Australia Council offers a wide range of funding programs for Australian artists and arts organisations.
In 2008-09, we provided 1846 grants and initiatives – from small grants for emerging artists, to base funding for major performing arts companies, to special initiatives to strengthen the arts sector.
In 2010, the Australia Council will offer grants in 58 categories and 40 initiatives, directly or with partner organisations. There are grants and initiatives for all major areas of arts practice – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, community partnerships, dance, inter-arts, literature, music, theatre, visual arts.
We also offer a diverse range of programs designed to grow audiences for the arts in Australia and take Australian arts overseas. All Australian artists, groups and arts organisations are welcome to apply to our grant programs and many of our initiatives.
Our grants
Most Australia Council funding for artists and organisations is through our grant programs. Grants are available to any practicing professional artist or arts worker who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Grants are also available to Australian or overseas organisations for projects that primarily involve Australian artists and their work.
Prospective applicants should check the specific eligibility criteria for a particular grant category before applying.
You may not apply for a grant if:
- you have not satisfactorily acquitted a previous grant
- you owe the Australia Council money.
Grant categories
The Australia Council offers grants for seven main purposes:
- supporting the creation of new work through funding for one-off projects
- increasing resources, opportunities and audiences for Australian arts by supporting the presentation, exhibition, publication, distribution and/or promotion of artistic works
- providing professional skills and arts development opportunities for artists through support for residencies, mentorships, seminars and conferences
- recognising outstanding artistic achievements by supporting a period of creative work for established artists through fellowships and awards
- supporting significant smaller organisations that enrich Australian artistic practice through one-year program funding
- supporting outstanding small to medium organisations that develop a viable infrastructure to advance the arts in Australia through multi-year key organisations funding
- supporting large performing arts companies of the highest artistic standards through major performing arts funding.
Our initiatives
The Australia Council supports a diverse range of projects and initiatives that build the capacity of the Australian arts sector. They include major national and international projects such as the Australian Performing Arts Market and Australia’s representation at the Venice Biennale, particularly those that develop audiences for Australian arts.
There are also initiatives to develop digital content, SCOPE to further dance careers, and philanthropic programs to develop the income of artists and arts organisations. Typically, these initiatives are a strategic response to opportunities the Australia Council has identified as important to the vitality and sustainability of the arts.