Information for Applicants


How to apply

  • For information about the types of funding available, see the individual funding categories.
  • All funding applications are completed and lodged online using the SmartyGrants grant management system.
    Visit the artsACT online grants portal to view and apply to current funding rounds.
  • We encourage all applicants to speak with artsACT staff before making an application and to read the Arts Activities Handbook.
    Please also contact us to discuss any accessibility requirements you may have.
  • For further information on arts funding, please contact artsACT on (02) 6207 2384 or email artsACT@act.gov.au.
  • Visit our Contact Us page for information on the Translating and Interpreter Service, TTY phone users, speak and listen, and Internet relay user services.

Demonstrating an ACT-based arts practice

For applicants who do not reside in Canberra, an exception can be made where the applicant’s practice is clearly based in Canberra. Applicants must specifically and strongly demonstrate that their practice is primarily based in Canberra and that you consistently promote yourself as a Canberra artist in all your promotional material, website, and CV. Generally, this exception is only available to people living in the immediate Canberra region.

You must provide a statement addressing all of the six points on demonstrating a Canberra-based practice, with a clear focus on the last two years.

The six points are:

  • Being recognised as an ACT artist by peers.
  • Evidence of consistently promoting yourself as an ACT artist.
  • Regularity of making and/or presenting work in the ACT.
  • Employment in the ACT arts sector.
  • Collaboration and active engagement with the ACT arts sector.
  • Formal training or education in the arts in the ACT.

This information will be used to assess eligibility and therefore must be thorough and relevant. Your ABN and any applications made to other state and territory governments may also be taken into consideration in considering your ACT-based practice. See Information for applicants. artsACT reserves the right to not accept an application from a non-Canberra resident(s) for any reason.

If you are an Aboriginal person that is a traditional custodian to Ngunnawal Country, you are eligible to apply regardless of your residential address.

Artists and Arts Workers fees and salaries

artsACT expects artists professionally employed or engaged on artsACT-funded activities will be remunerated for their work in line with industry standards. The Remuneration Principles and Practices for Artists and Arts Workers document sets out the principles for modelling good practice for the engagement and remuneration of artists and arts workers. It can be used by artists and arts workers, arts organisations and those engaging artists.

Public Liability Insurance

If any aspect of your project is to be undertaken on ACT Government premises or public land, you will need to hold an appropriate level of public liability insurance. Under normal circumstances, the appropriate level of public liability insurance is $20 million unless specified otherwise by the Territory.

artsACT strongly advises all arts organisations and artists to seek their own advice regarding insurance.

Confidentiality, Privacy and Freedom of Information

The information provided in funding submissions is used when processing and assessing applications. The ACT Government respects all personal and confidential information you provide and will take all reasonable steps to prevent any unauthorised access, loss or misuse of information provided in your application. Information provided by all applicants will be stored centrally and may be used by ACT Government officers to better understand community needs and improve service delivery. Details of successful applicants (limited to applicant name, funding amount and grant purpose) will be publicly announced, and artsACT may promote the activity of funded applicants.

artsACT will only use or disclose personal information in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Information Privacy Act 2014External Link. The provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2016External Link apply to documents in artsACT’s possession. Details of applications will not be made available to third parties without the permission of the applicant.