Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program

The ACT Government is committed to building stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

This commitment comes with funding for self-determined activities led by and for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities of the capital region. The funding is provided through the Aboriginal and Torres Islander Cultural Arts Program (the Cultural Arts Program).

Cultural Arts Program Objective

The objective of the Cultural Arts Program is to enhance outcomes that reflect Canberra’s unique culture and identity by funding self-determined programs that support and enhance arts and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and build cultural leadership.

Self-determined programs that are initiated and led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individual, group or organisation can include:

• creating arts and cultural works
• presenting or performing arts and cultural works
• professional or skills development, arts mentoring and artists residencies
• community arts and cultural development
• marketing and promotion of arts activities

These programs can be across a range of artforms and cultural practice including dance, music, theatre, visual arts and crafts, literature, digital and new media, screen and arts-based festivals.

Funding Strategies

Activities will reflect one or more of the three strategies:

• Create amazing art and culture – everywhere, at any time and for everyone
• Develop arts, cultural and creative industry, practice and facilities – supporting creation and culture at all levels, via any path
• Promote our arts and culture – to attract artists, arts workers, visitors and investment

Funding Parameters

Funding amounts will be between $3,000 and $15,000 per project.

Two stage application process

Applications will be submitted via the online artsACT grants portal in a two-stage process.

Stage 1: EOI submitted through SmartyGrants. Applications will be assessed, and shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit an application in the second stage.

Stage 2: Final application including detailed budget submitted through SmartyGrants. Applications will be assessed, and recommendations made for the award of funding.

Important dates to remember:

Cultural Arts Program Guidelines

We encourage all applicants to thoroughly read the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program Guidelines (February 2025 edition) and then speak with Ian RT Colless, Assistant Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement, Culture and Arts before making an application. You can contact Ian via phone on 0402 141 488 or email IanRT.Colless@act.gov.au.

Please also contact us to discuss any accessibility requirements you may have. You can either phone us on 6207 2384 or email artsACT@act.gov.au

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program Guidelines 2025 (PDF 630 KB)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts Program Guidelines 2025 (Word 877 KB)