On 13 September 2024, the ACT Government assumed a caretaker role, with an election to be held 19 October 2024. Information on this website will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until after the election and conclusion of the caretaker period.

Arts Activities funding


Find all current recipients on our website.

Disclaimer: In accordance with the provisions of Section 100(1) of the Electoral Act 1992, the ACT will hold a general election for the Legislative Assembly on Saturday, 19 October 2024. The caretaker period begins at 12:00 am on the morning of 13 September 2024 and ends with the election of the Chief Minister on the first sitting day of the Legislative Assembly following the election. The continuation of the Arts Activities Up to $5,000 funding category following this general election is a decision for an incoming government. As a result, applications to the Up to $5,000 category will be accepted up to midnight on Monday 12 August 2024 to ensure that assessments and decisions on funding applications can occur prior to 13 September 2024.

Arts Activities Funding

Arts Activities Funding provides support for Canberra artists, groups and organisations to undertake arts activities including creating new work, professional or skills development, mentoring, residencies, and community arts and cultural development and engagement.

Activities can be across a range of artforms including dance, digital games, literature, music, new media, screen, theatre, visual arts, and arts-based festivals.

Funding categories

Arts Activities Funding is available through two categories:

For 2024-25, there is budget of approximately $900,000 available for Arts Activities across the two categories. Some $180,000 will be available for the Up to $5k category over the year, and some $720,000 will be available for the two $5-50k rounds. These amounts may vary depending on demand and the number of successful applications.

Up to $5k for smaller projects, available all year round (noting the Disclaimer above for the 2024 Caretaker period).

$5-50k for larger projects, available twice a year.

Funding Strategies

Funded activities must strongly meet one or more of the following three strategies:

How to Apply

Applications to both categories must be submitted via the online artsACT grants portal

Arts Activities Guidelines

We encourage all applicants to thoroughly read the Arts Activities Guidelines and then speak with artsACT staff before making an application. Please also contact us to discuss any accessibility requirements you may have. You can either phone us on 6207 2384 or email artsACT@act.gov.au

Previous online information session

A copy of the PowerPoint presentation from the previous information session is available here.