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NSW 2026-27 First Nations Cultural Tourism Creativity Fund

NSW 2026-27 First Nations Cultural Tourism Creativity Fund

  • Tier 1, Develop: $20,000 to $50,000, excluding GST.
  • Tier 2, Grow: $50,001 to $100,000, excluding GST.
  • Applicants must contribute at least 5% of the total project cost through cash or in-kind support.
  • Projects should commence by 1 April 2027.
  • Projects must be completed by 30 June 2028.
  • Applications close on 12 November 2026
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The NSW 2026-27 First Nations Cultural Tourism Creativity Fund supports NSW First Nations artists, creatives, cultural practitioners, organisations and businesses to develop culturally strong, tourism-ready experiences and connect with tourism markets. The program aims to increase the availability, visibility and quality of First Nations cultural and creative tourism experiences across NSW. It also seeks to strengthen partnerships between the arts, cultural and tourism sectors, improve market access and visitor engagement, and deliver economic, community and cultural outcomes led by and for NSW First Nations communities.

Two funding tiers support projects at different stages. Tier 1 assists early-stage projects to develop, test and prepare experiences for visitors. Tier 2 supports established or successfully tested experiences to expand, launch or scale. All funded activities must be First Nations-led and demonstrate appropriate cultural authority, cultural governance and community support where relevant. The program aims to allocate 50% of its budget to applicants from regional NSW

Key Requirements

  • Tourism readiness: Projects must develop or strengthen a First Nations arts, cultural or tourism experience with visitor appeal and market potential. Tier 1 projects must show a clear pathway towards tourism readiness. Tier 2 projects must relate to an established or successfully tested experience with a credible basis for growth.
  • First Nations leadership and cultural integrity: Projects must be led by NSW First Nations people. Applicants must demonstrate appropriate cultural authority, governance, permissions, protocols and community relationships. Evidence of cultural authority, endorsement or permission may be required.
  • Capability and delivery: Applicants must demonstrate the skills, experience, personnel, governance and project management capability needed to deliver the proposed activities. Applications must include realistic milestones, a detailed budget and evidence of value for money.
  • Collaboration and market access: Projects should build partnerships or market pathways that improve tourism access, audience reach or participation. Evidence of formal partners’ roles and commitment should be provided where applicable.
  • Community outcomes: Projects must deliver measurable economic, cultural or community outcomes for NSW First Nations people and communities. Tier 1 applicants must provide at least one relevant outcome measure. Tier 2 applicants must provide at least three.
  • Regional participation: The program aims to allocate 50% of its budget to applicants from regional NSW, subject to applications meeting the competitive scoring range.

What is eligible for funding?

  • Concept and cultural tourism experience development.
  • Product and service development.
  • Business and capability building.
  • Market testing and pilot visitor experiences.
  • Feasibility studies and project planning.
  • Partnership development.
  • Expansion of existing tourism experiences.
  • Development of tourism-ready products and services.
  • Market development and audience growth.
  • Visitor experience enhancements.
  • Strategic partnerships and collaborations.
  • Delivery of larger-scale cultural tourism projects and experiences.
  • Storytelling, literature, language and cultural interpretation projects.
  • Development of guided cultural, arts, food or heritage experiences.
  • Artist product development.
  • Pricing, packaging, scheduling and booking system development.
  • Visitor information, accessibility and customer experience improvements.
  • Marketing, promotion and market pathway development.
  • Staff, artist, cultural worker, guide and business capability building.
  • Safety, insurance, risk management and operational planning.
  • Small equipment purchases and minor modifications directly required to deliver the funded visitor experience

What companies are eligible for funding?

Applicants must be NSW First Nations individuals, groups, organisations or businesses that live, work, operate, create or deliver activities on Country in NSW and maintain recognised cultural, family, community or Traditional Owner connections to NSW First Nations communities.

  • First Nations individuals aged 18 or older who have lived in NSW for at least 12 months.
  • First Nations-led groups with at least 51% First Nations membership, where most members have been located in NSW for the previous 12 months.
  • Unincorporated groups with a written agreement outlining members’ roles, responsibilities and acceptance of the proposed project.
  • Companies, associations, partnerships and other incorporated entities that are First Nations-led and have operated in NSW for at least 12 months.
  • Joint or consortium applications led by an eligible First Nations-led organisation that has operated in NSW for at least 12 months.

Eligible organisations must have at least 51% First Nations representation across their board of management and senior leadership. The person submitting an organisational application must be authorised to act for the organisation.

Successful applicants must have an active ABN and nominated bank account or use an eligible funds administrator. Projects must be delivered in NSW. Only one application per applicant will be assessed.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.