CreateSA Major Commission Grant

Funding available: $100,000 per successful applicant.
Co-contribution: A commissioning partner must commit to securing at least 30 percent of the total project budget through cash or in-kind contributions from sources other than CreateSA.
Where an arts organisation commissions work by an independent artist or artists, the organisation must meet the 30 percent co-investment requirement.
Funded activities can commence from 18 December 2026.
Applications close September 28 2026 at 5pm.

The Major Commission Grant provides significant investment in the creation of a major new work by a leading South Australian independent artist, group or arts and cultural organisation. The project must deliver a significant public outcome and be launched, presented, premiered or exhibited first in South Australia in a high-profile setting.

Funding can support costs across the development, production and presentation stages. Applicants must demonstrate that the commission represents a substantial scale of production and presentation, builds their profile and extends their creative aspirations.

A commissioning partner is required. This may include a production house, independent producer, festival, publisher, gallery, arts organisation or high-profile venue. The partner must have experience producing projects of a similar scale and must contribute to securing at least 30 percent of the project budget from sources other than CreateSA.

Key Requirements

Create a major new work: The program supports a significant new commission developed by a leading South Australian independent artist, group or arts and cultural organisation.
Deliver a significant public outcome: The commissioned work must result in a substantial public outcome and be launched, presented, premiered or exhibited first in South Australia.
Use a high-profile setting: The first public presentation must take place in a high-profile South Australian setting.
Demonstrate scale and ambition: Applications must show that the scale of production and presentation will build the applicant’s profile and extend their creative aspirations.
Engage a commissioning partner: Applicants must include a production house, independent producer, festival, publisher, gallery, arts organisation, high-profile venue or another suitable commissioning partner.
Demonstrate partner capability: The commissioning partner must have a track record of producing projects of a similar scale.
Secure co-investment: The commissioning partner must commit to securing at least 30 percent of the total project budget through cash or in-kind contributions from sources other than CreateSA.
Address relevant protocols: Project proposals must explain how applicable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols, working with children in art requirements and COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

What is eligible for funding?

Funding may support project costs across development, production and presentation, including:

Administration.
Commissioning fees.
Creative fees for performers, composers, choreographers, designers and other creative contributors.
Producer fees.
Technical personnel.
Production costs.
Marketing costs.
Materials.
Studio, venue and equipment hire.
Travel.
Living allowances.
Freight.
Curatorial costs.
Catalogue essay writer fees.
Catalogue design and printing.
Photography and documentation.
Exhibition costs.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants include:

Independent artists.
Artist groups.
Funded small-to-medium arts organisations.
Funded major arts organisations.
Arts and cultural organisations not receiving annual or multi-year South Australian Government funding.

Other eligibility considerations include:

Applicants must deliver a major new work with a significant public outcome.
The work must launch, premiere, be presented or be exhibited first in South Australia.
A suitable commissioning partner is required.
The commissioning partner must have experience producing projects of a similar scale.
At least 30 percent of the total project budget must be secured through cash or in-kind contributions from sources other than CreateSA.
Eligible applicants must provide an Australian Business Number or be auspiced.
Applicant residency, citizenship and professional practice requirements: UNKNOWN from the accessible content of the supplied pages.

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 an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? 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.

This grant is open

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