Culture and the arts funding

Culture and the Arts distributes grants and funding to support vibrant and sustainable arts, culture and creative industry sectors in WA.

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Number of rounds open.

Open funding and opening soon

January 2022

Open: 1/25/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 3/10/2022 8:00:00 AM

September 2022

Open: 9/6/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 10/20/2022 8:00:00 AM

April 2024

Open: 4/23/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 5/30/2024 8:00:00 AM

December 2023

Open: 12/19/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 2/1/2024 8:00:00 AM

August 2023

Open: 8/22/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/28/2023 8:00:00 AM

Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups

Funding closed but opening later

Opening 19 December 2023

Offering between $5000 and $80,000 funding for artists and creative industry professionals to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.

The program supports the development and growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian communities in high quality arts and cultural experiences.

Available for

  • Groups
  • Individuals

Categories and amounts

April 2024

Open: 4/23/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 5/30/2024 8:00:00 AM

December 2023

Open: 12/19/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 2/1/2024 8:00:00 AM

August 2023

Open: 8/22/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/28/2023 8:00:00 AM

Arts Projects for Organisations

Funding closed but opening later

Opening 19 December 2023

Offering between $5000 and $80,000 funding for arts and creative industry organisations to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.

The program supports the development and growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian communities in high quality arts and cultural experiences.

Available for

  • Organisations

Categories and amounts

Round 2 2023 to 2024

Open: 1/9/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 6/6/2024 8:00:00 AM

Round 1 2023 to 2024

Open: 7/11/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 12/7/2023 8:00:00 AM

Arts Short Notice Activity Program || Round 1 2023 to 2024 || open || Funding round open
Closing: 4:00pm 7 December 2023

Arts Short Notice Activity Program

Funding round open

Closing 4:00pm 7 December 2023

The Arts Short Notice Activity Program (Arts SNAP) for individuals and groups offers funding for regional, national and international short notice activities for artists and creative industry professionals.

The program supports the growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian artists and arts workers in high quality arts and cultural opportunities. Grants of up to $5000 for national and regional opportunities, and up to $10,000 for international, are available for individuals and groups. 

Available for

  • Groups
  • Individuals

Categories and amounts

  • Regional and national opportunities (Up to $5000)
  • International opportunities (Up to $10,000)

December 2022

Open: 12/13/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 1/25/2023 8:00:00 AM

July 2021

Open: 7/27/2021 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/9/2021 8:00:00 AM

Round 2 2023 to 2024

Open: 1/9/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 6/6/2024 8:00:00 AM

Round 1 2023 to 2024

Open: 7/11/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 12/7/2023 8:00:00 AM

Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program || Round 1 2023 to 2024 || open || Funding round open
Closing: 4:00pm 7 December 2023

Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program

Funding round open

Closing 4:00pm 7 December 2023

The Contemporary Music Fund (CMF) assists homegrown contemporary music artists with projects that enable them to produce and promote their work, along with building links nationally and internationally.

The program provides funding support to the WA contemporary music sector across a range of activities.

Available for

  • Community organisations
  • Groups
  • Individuals

Categories and amounts

Open year-round

Open:

Close:

2022

Open: 9/15/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 10/27/2022 8:00:00 AM

3

Open: 8/22/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/28/2023 8:00:00 AM

2

Open: 4/26/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 6/1/2023 8:00:00 AM

1

Open: 12/1/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 2/2/2023 8:00:00 AM

2023

Open: 6/1/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 7/13/2023 8:00:00 AM

July 2022

Open: 7/19/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 8/25/2022 8:00:00 AM

December 2022

Open: 12/13/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 1/25/2023 8:00:00 AM

July 2021

Open: 7/27/2021 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/9/2021 8:00:00 AM

July 2022

Open: 7/19/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 8/25/2022 8:00:00 AM

August 2022

Open: 8/30/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 10/11/2022 8:00:00 AM

March 2022

Open: 3/22/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 5/5/2022 8:00:00 AM

August 2020

Open: 8/27/2020 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/29/2020 8:00:00 AM

July 2022

Open: 7/26/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/1/2022 8:00:00 AM

Closed funding

January 2022

Open: 1/25/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 3/10/2022 8:00:00 AM

Aboriginal Arts Commissioning Fund

Funding round closed

Providing opportunities for Aboriginal artists to share their stories through the development of new, large scale work.

Funding delivered through the Aboriginal Arts Commissioning Fund is intended to: 

  • encourage the expression and preservation of traditional and contemporary regional Western Australian Aboriginal cultures, communities, and identities through the arts
  • support the development of significant and large-scale works created and produced by Aboriginal artists in regional Western Australia
  • enable employment opportunities for regional Aboriginal artists, arts workers and communities
  • showcase the unique stories of Western Australia’s First Nations peoples and engage new and diverse audiences.

Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building

Funding round closed

Providing business development support for planning and skill development in the regional Aboriginal arts and culture sector.

The program intends to:

  • support Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations based in regional and remote Western Australia to develop strategic, business, succession, sustainability, and/or governance plans
  • increase support for the development of the Aboriginal arts and cultural industry in regional and remote Western Australia
  • support cultural tourism, audience development and economic diversification by strengthening Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations in regional and remote Western Australia
  • support long-term skills development goals for Aboriginal arts workers, artists and communities in regional and remote Western Australia
  • improve economic and employment growth in regional and remote Aboriginal communities.

Arts 15k-plus

Funding round closed

The Arts 15k-plus grant program offers between $15,000 and $60,000 funding for artists, creative industry professionals and organisations to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.

The program supports the development and growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian communities in high quality arts and cultural experiences.

September 2022

Open: 9/6/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 10/20/2022 8:00:00 AM

Arts Organisations Investment Program

Funding round closed

The Arts Organisations Investment Program is an open and competitive multiyear funding program to support Western Australia’s arts, cultural and creative sector organisations.

The Arts Organisations Investment Program aims to build strong Western Australian arts, cultural and creative sector organisations that support the vibrancy of our State and celebrates this internationally.

It invests in a portfolio of small to medium organisations that:

  • create and present high quality and the best of its type arts, cultural and creative experiences
  • create work that is original, innovative and authentic that respects cultural tradition, or promotes social awareness and cohesion
  • broaden and deepen community access and engagement in arts, cultural and creative experiences
  • reflects the diversity of the State through telling Western Australian stories
  • have strong connections with and presence in communities increasing the reach, depth and diversity of audience engagement
  • collaborate with others to create new sustainable ways of working together
  • leverage opportunities and funding from a range of sources and partners develop and operate in a financially, environmentally and socially sustainable way.

August 2023

Open: 8/22/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/28/2023 8:00:00 AM

December 2023

Open: 12/19/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 2/1/2024 8:00:00 AM

April 2024

Open: 4/23/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 5/30/2024 8:00:00 AM

August 2023

Open: 8/22/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/28/2023 8:00:00 AM

December 2023

Open: 12/19/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 2/1/2024 8:00:00 AM

April 2024

Open: 4/23/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 5/30/2024 8:00:00 AM

Round 1 2023 to 2024

Open: 7/11/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 12/7/2023 8:00:00 AM

Arts Short Notice Activity Program || Round 1 2023 to 2024 || open || Funding round open
Closing: 4:00pm 7 December 2023

Round 2 2023 to 2024

Open: 1/9/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 6/6/2024 8:00:00 AM

July 2021

Open: 7/27/2021 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/9/2021 8:00:00 AM

December 2022

Open: 12/13/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 1/25/2023 8:00:00 AM

Community Participation and Inclusion Program

Funding round closed

Improving social inclusion and access to arts and culture in regional WA.

Funding delivered through the Community Participation and Inclusion Program is intended to:

  • facilitate participation in arts and cultural activities for people from diverse backgrounds
  • encourage the creative expression and development of diverse perspectives and ambitions
  • provide opportunities for marginalised communities to strengthen and present their art and culture
  • support the production of authentic, distinct creative works that tell Western Australian stories and celebrate diversity
  • create arts and cultural employment and career pathways for regional Western Australian artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds
  • contribute to social inclusion, wellbeing, cohesion and vibrancy in regional Western Australian communities.

Community Recovery Grants Program

Funding round closed

Round opening soon

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is supporting the Community Recovery Grants Program, an initiative designed to aid communities affected by the flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

The program funds local groups and community organisations to deliver activities and events that will assist the community to recover, reconnect and build capacity for future change with an emphasis on social and emotional wellbeing.

Connecting to Country

Funding round closed

Supports projects that enable Western Australian Aboriginal people and organisations to undertake on Country activities that foster the intergenerational transfer of knowledge, preservation of culture and strengthening of communities.

The program intends to:

  • facilitate sharing of cultural knowledge and skills between generations, such as the preservation of language, stories and dance
  • recognise Aboriginal cultural leadership within the Aboriginal community and support leadership development in young people
  • contribute to stronger community mental health and wellbeing
  • strengthen, protect and maintain traditional ways of maintaining cultural knowledge.

Round 1 2023 to 2024

Open: 7/11/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 12/7/2023 8:00:00 AM

Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program || Round 1 2023 to 2024 || open || Funding round open
Closing: 4:00pm 7 December 2023

Round 2 2023 to 2024

Open: 1/9/2024 1:00:00 AM

Close: 6/6/2024 8:00:00 AM

Open year-round

Open:

Close:

2022

Open: 9/15/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 10/27/2022 8:00:00 AM

Creative Learning Partnerships Program

Funding round closed

Increasing access for students and teachers to engage in enriched learning through arts experiences.

The Creative Learning Partnerships Program offers grants between $60,000 and $250,000 per annum to deliver 2-year creative learning programs. 

The Creative Learning Partnerships Program enhances students’ (years 2 to 9) and educators’ creative learning capabilities in and through the arts. Programs will build educators' pedagogical capacities and increase access to and participation in the arts, cultural and creative activities.

A key concern addressed through the program is those students who are disadvantaged and least likely to have access to such opportunities to enrich their overall learning and engagement. As part of the Creative Learning Partnerships Program, arts organisations will work with identified clusters of schools to deliver programming over two years.

1

Open: 12/1/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 2/2/2023 8:00:00 AM

2

Open: 4/26/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 6/1/2023 8:00:00 AM

3

Open: 8/22/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/28/2023 8:00:00 AM

Creativity for Schools

Funding round closed

This program partners schools and creatives to embed creativity into students' learning and understanding across curriculum areas.

The Creativity for Schools Program offers funding support to connect Western Australian creatives with schools.

Creativity for Schools supports activities using arts-based practice to engage students in their learning beyond arts curriculum areas. The two program categories, Collaboration and Residency, will support access, participation and overall engagement for students (K to 12) in transformative creative learning experiences. They will also develop educators to use creative pedagogy across curriculum areas and beyond. 

Event Suppliers Support Program

Funding round closed

One-off financial aid payment for an event suppliers business.

As part of the $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package, the Event Suppliers Support program provides a one-off financial aid payment for an event suppliers business to partially offset some of the additional costs or lost revenues affected by delay to full border reopening of the Western Australian border or capacity constraints introduced to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

2023

Open: 6/1/2023 1:00:00 AM

Close: 7/13/2023 8:00:00 AM

Gaming Community Trust

Funding round closed

Projects must demonstrate a benefit to the community, be benevolent or charitable in nature and align to one or more of the categories.

The Gaming Community Trust (the Trust) grant program is funded through the unclaimed winnings of casino gaming and wagering in Western Australia. The Trust is supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) in managing the grant program.

Getting the Show Back on the Road+

Funding round closed

Helping reduce financial risks for ticketed events in WA.

As part of the State Government’s $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package, a $10 million extension to the Getting the Show Back on the Road+ (GTSBOTR+) has been announced. GTSBOTR+ aims to reduce the financial risks associated with running ticketed events in Western Australia (WA) during a COVID-19 impacted period, and to encourage the safe continuation of public ticketed events.

The GTSBOTR+ program provides support through sharing the risk of lost ticket revenue or registration fees for events impacted from 5 February 2022 from:

  • Cancellation due to:
    • impacts of the border opening delay;
    • COVID-19 infection or direction to isolate for event key personnel;
    • quarantine requirements for key personnel entering WA making the event unviable; and
    • COVID-19 capacity restrictions or social distancing directions.
  • Support for events that proceed but incur a substantial impact on the number of tickets sold (minimum 50% lost ticket sales/registrations) due to the impact of COVID-19 requirements.
  • The GTSBOTR+ program will provide three tiers of support to cover lost ticket revenue or registration fees due to the causes listed above as follows:
    • 75% of gross ticketing/registration fee value for cancelled events resulting from a COVID-19 direction;
    • 50% of gross ticketing/registration fee value for self-cancelled events linked to COVID-19 requirements and/or border opening delay impacting on the viability of the event;
    • 30% of gross ticketing/registration fee value for events that proceed but incur a substantial impact on the number of tickets sold/registrations (min 50% fewer tickets/registrations) due to COVID-19 requirements.
    • The program does not support requests for retrospective coverage for events that have already occurred. Applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before an event.

Due to the Level 2 Public Health and Social Measures currently in place in Western Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic where there is an impact on the viability of live performances. Payments are available to support the unrecoverable costs for the rescheduling of pre-approved events under the Getting the Show Back on the Road+ program, for events scheduled in the Level 2 Public Health and Social Measures period as follows:

  • Support for unrecoverable rescheduling costs to be set at 30 per cent of pre-approved gross ticketed sales estimate to a cap of $150,000
  • Support is limited to one reschedule per event.

The program funding caps is $150,000 against 75% of pre-approved lost ticket sales income. For events that experience significant box-office impact, support of up to $500,000 is available subject to Ministerial discretion. Any claims above the funding cap of $150,000 are assessed by external auditors, and based on unrecoverable expenditure (against substantiated receipts) not lost revenue.

GTSBOTR+ is a risk share program that works on a pre-approval model. An applicant is required to submit an application at least 2 weeks prior to an event commencing.

Please contact GTSBOTR+ team before submitting a claim above the funding cap to ensure you provide the necessary preliminary information to obtain approval to submit an above the cap funding request.

Harmony Week grants

Funding round closed

Funding of $2000 is available for diversity and inclusion activities to celebrate Harmony Week 2021.

Activities with a focus on culture and arts and sport and active recreation are encouraged.

Culture and arts activities must involve a professional artist or arts practitioner working with the community to design and deliver the activity.

Sport and active recreation activities must involve the community participating in a primary activity requiring physical exertion and/or physical skill.

July 2022

Open: 7/19/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 8/25/2022 8:00:00 AM

In the House

Funding round closed

Supporting the performing arts in regional Western Australia.

In the House supports the expansion of annual performing arts programs delivered by performing arts venues in regional Western Australia.

July 2021

Open: 7/27/2021 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/9/2021 8:00:00 AM

December 2022

Open: 12/13/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 1/25/2023 8:00:00 AM

Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning

Funding round closed

Incentivising regional local governments to develop creative and cultural plans and activities.

Funding delivered through Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning is intended to:

  • support the creation of co-designed creative and cultural plans for regional local governments, groups of regional local governments or regional zones in WA
  • ensure integration of creative and cultural plans with regional local government Strategic Community Plans
  • increase support for the development of the arts, cultural infrastructure, heritage and creative industries in regional WA
  • improve economic and jobs growth in regional communities
  • support activities that encourage cultural tourism opportunities and the creative and cultural industries
  • contribute to the vibrancy and social wellbeing of regional communities. 

July 2022

Open: 7/19/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 8/25/2022 8:00:00 AM

Made in WA

Funding round closed

Commissioning new performing arts work which is relevant to regional audiences and will be premiered in regional venues.

Funding delivered through Made in WA is intended to: 

  • increase the number and quality of performance-based works created and produced in regional Western Australia
  • ensure new work created in regional WA is relevant to regional audiences
  • enable employment and professional skill development opportunities for regional artists and arts workers
  • establish or further develop partnerships and collaborations between artists, producers, arts organisations and regional venues
  • showcase the unique stories of Western Australia, engage new audiences and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional communities
  • support projects that increase access and participation or presentation opportunities by, with or for Aboriginal communities and/or young people. 

Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS)

Funding round closed

Grants for WA schools to promote and advance reconciliation.

Funding assistance is available for your school to complete a PALS project. PALS projects are varied, and your school may already be involved with initiatives that are eligible for PALS funding. PALS funding is available to all WA primary and secondary schools and encourages schools with and without Aboriginal students to participate.

PALS is an initiative of the department which encourages WA schools to develop projects that promote reconciliation in their local community. PALS is based on the core attributes of:

  • Partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people based on trust, mutual respect and understanding.
  • Acceptance of and respect for diversity and valuing Aboriginal perspectives.
  • Learning more about each other, Aboriginal histories, languages and cultures; and how we can build strong partnerships with Aboriginal people.
  • Sharing a common journey towards healing and reconciliation.

PALS projects must focus on reconciliation and align with one or more of our six categories. In addition, an in class learning component is mandatory and must feature with your grant.

Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program

Funding round closed

One-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues.

As part of the $67 million Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package, the $1.3 million Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program provides a one-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues (i.e. independent performing art venues, theatres cinemas, and live music venues) that have been impacted by capacity constraints introduced to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

March 2022

Open: 3/22/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 5/5/2022 8:00:00 AM

August 2022

Open: 8/30/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 10/11/2022 8:00:00 AM

Playing WA

Funding round closed

Supporting touring performing arts shows to regional and remote Western Australia.

Playing WA supports the costs of touring WA-produced performing arts shows to regional and remote towns and communities in Western Australia.

August 2020

Open: 8/27/2020 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/29/2020 8:00:00 AM

Playing WA Multi-year

Funding round closed

Touring performing arts shows to regional WA

Playing WA supports the costs of touring WA-produced performing arts shows to regional and remote towns and communities in Western Australia.

The multi-year funding round of Playing WA supports a three-year touring program, allowing organisations to engage in longer term planning for regional touring.

Playwright Partnership Program

Funding round closed

Assists Western Australian playwrights to partner with established producers in commissioning new theatre scripts that tell Western Australian stories. The program offers grants for applications up to $30,000.

Playwrights are asked to develop proposals in partnership with a producing partner who will commission the work and submit the application. The producing partner must demonstrate the commitment and capacity to develop the commissioned work into a fully professional production within a reasonable timeframe. The producing partner is expected to match funding on a dollar for dollar basis. This may include in-kind support.

July 2022

Open: 7/26/2022 1:00:00 AM

Close: 9/1/2022 8:00:00 AM

Regional and Remote Festivals Fund

Funding round closed

The Regional and Remote Festivals Fund supports arts and cultural activity at regional and remote festivals in Western Australia.

Funding delivered through the Regional and Remote Festivals Fund is intended to: 

  • increase arts and cultural activity in regional and remote WA
  • provide employment opportunities for regional and remote communities
  • contribute to tourism growth in regional and remote WA
  • provide opportunities for regional and remote communities to participate in arts and cultural activity in their towns and communities
  • enable local communities to make decisions about their arts and cultural needs.

Western Australian Theatre Development Initiative

Funding round closed

Supports the production and performance of outstanding professional theatre and non-traditional theatre in Western Australia.

The Western Australian Theatre Development Initiative (WATDI) encourages the development of a vibrant and sustainable Western Australian theatre sector by supporting high quality professional productions that include a clear audience development strategy, provide professional development opportunities for WA theatre practitioners and have the potential to tour regionally and/or nationally.

Industry funding

Major Performing Arts companies

The Major Performing Arts companies play a vital role in the development of artists and audiences, as well as being a large employer of artists and arts professionals in Western Australia.

Major Performing Arts companies

Showcase

‘Showcase’ profiles the creativity, skill and talent of artists and arts organisations in Western Australia through media, social media platforms and outdoor screens across the city.

Contact us

Grants Officers

For enquiries relating to the grant programs, including advice or assistance with your application, contact a Grants Officer:

Email the Grants Officer

Online Grants portal technical support

For help to use the portal or for technical issues, email the Online Grants Support Team.

Assistance for people with disability

The department is committed to supporting applicants with disability. Information can be provided in alternative formats (large print, electronic or Braille) upon request.

If you require special assistance in preparing your application, please call 61 8 6552 7400 or toll free for regional WA callers on 1800 634 541.

Family, friends, mentors and/or carers can attend meetings with you.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through one of the following:

  • National Relay Service (NRS) then ask for 1800 634 541
  • TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1800 634 541
  • Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 ask for 1800 634 541.

Interpreting assistance

For interpreting assistance in languages other than English, telephone the Translation and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.

Regional applicants

Toll free (country WA callers only) 1800 634 541

Page reviewed 06 July 2023