Creative NSW Arts and Cultural Funding Program: Creative Nations

Funding available: $10,000 to $75,000 for individuals and groups; $20,000 to $100,000 for organisations.
Funding streams:
- Individuals and groups: $10,000 to $75,000
- Organisations: $20,000 to $100,000
Matched funding / in-kind requirement: Applicants must contribute at least 5% through cash or in-kind support
When activities are expected to run: Projects must start after 1 September 2026 and finish by 31 December 2027.
Applications close: May 25 2026

Creative Nations is a Create NSW funding program supporting First Nations artists, cultural workers, organisations and communities to deliver arts and cultural projects that sustain and strengthen First Nations arts and culture in NSW.

Funding can support the creation and presentation of new work, cultural festivals and events, community gatherings and forums, and projects that share Elders’ stories and knowledge, strengthen cultural centres and keeping places, and improve access and inclusion (including accessibility supports). Applicants must be First Nations-led, meet NSW residency/operating requirements, and contribute at least 5% of project income through cash or in-kind support.

Key Requirements

First Nations-led focus: Funding supports First Nations-led arts and cultural activity grounded in community, culture and connection, aimed at sustaining and strengthening First Nations arts and culture in NSW.
Contribute to project costs: Create NSW does not fund 100% of project income/costs; applicants must contribute at least 5% via cash or in-kind support.
Deliver within the funding window: Projects must start after 1 September 2026 and be completed by 31 December 2027.
One application rule: Applicants can only submit one application across the current Project Funding round programs (Creative Nations, Cultural Access, Professional Development, or Creative Steps).
Professional rates and minimum musician fee: Eligible budgets should include paying artists and cultural workers at appropriate industry rates; activities receiving Create NSW funding must pay musicians at least $250 for a three-hour call.

What is eligible for funding?

Create and present new First Nations work.
Share the stories and knowledge of Elders (including truth-telling and storytelling projects).
Deliver cultural festivals and events, cultural gatherings and forums.
Improve access and inclusion (including for people with disability), and fund accessibility supports.
Maintain and grow collections, archives, and keeping places at First Nations cultural centres.
Undertake artistic or professional development linked to the project (including mentorships, workshops, development opportunities).
Promote and market arts and cultural events to reach more people

What companies are eligible for funding?

First Nations individuals aged 18+ who have lived in NSW for at least 12 months, and have an ABN (or use a funds administrator if successful).
First Nations unincorporated groups where the applicant is First Nations and 18+, the majority of members have lived in NSW for the past 12 months, and the group has a written and signed agreement; the lead applicant must have an ABN or use a funds administrator if successful.
First Nations-led organisations with legal status operating in NSW for at least 12 months, with an authorised applicant applying on the organisation’s behalf; successful applicants must have an ABN and nominated bank account (or use a funds administrator where applicable).
Important considerations: Only one application across the current Project Funding round programs is permitted; and if an applicant was successful in the previous Creative Nations round, they cannot apply or be successful in this round

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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