Call for Applications: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

Create SA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants – Projects stream provides funding of up to $25,000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, arts workers, groups, and organisations in South Australia to develop, produce, and present new creative work. The grants support projects across all art forms, including visual arts, performing arts, craft, design, literature, exhibitions, touring, research, and cultural projects.

About the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants – Projects

Create SA is inviting applications for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants – Projects program, which supports the development and delivery of new creative and cultural work in South Australia. The program is designed to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic practice by providing financial support for professional creative projects. Funding can support both individual and collaborative projects and is available across a broad range of art forms. The program supports projects that demonstrate strong artistic quality, clear planning, cultural integrity, and meaningful benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, arts workers, audiences, and communities. What Does the Grant Support? The grant supports the creative development, production, presentation, and documentation of new work. Other professional creative and cultural practices Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed project contributes to their professional artistic practice or the development of the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts sector. How Much Funding Is Available? Successful applicants can receive up to $25,000 per project. The funding can be used for eligible expenses directly connected to the proposed creative activity. Applicants should ensure that the proposed budget clearly connects each expense to the project’s objectives and activities. Who Is Eligible? The program is primarily designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professional artists, arts workers, groups, and organisations based in South Australia.

Eligible applicants include:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individual artists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts workers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist groups Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural organisations

Applicants must also:

Be professional practicing artists or arts workers. Be Australian citizens or permanent residents. Reside in South Australia for at least six months of each year. Meet the relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eligibility requirements. Can Non-Aboriginal-Led Organisations Apply? Non-Aboriginal-led organisations may be eligible where they are supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Such organisations must demonstrate:

Appropriate consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities. Respect for relevant cultural protocols. Meaningful involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Appropriate processes for developing and delivering the project. However, non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals are not eligible to apply. What Projects Are a Good Fit? Strong applications are likely to clearly demonstrate a connection between the proposed project and professional artistic or cultural development.

Suitable projects may include:

Development of a new exhibition. Creation of a new performance. Production of a new literary work. Development of a multidisciplinary artwork. Touring an original creative work. Research supporting the development of a new artistic project. Collaborative projects involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. New creative productions requiring technical or production support. The project should have clear objectives, realistic activities, an achievable timeline, and a well-developed budget. Application Requirements Applicants must provide information demonstrating the artistic value, feasibility, and cultural appropriateness of the proposed project.

Required application materials include:

Project summary: A concise explanation of what the project will achieve.

Project rationale: Why the project is important and why funding is needed.

Artist biographies or CVs: Relevant professional experience and artistic achievements.

Project plan: Details of the proposed activities.

Timeline: Key stages and expected completion dates.

Letters of support: Evidence of support from relevant partners, organisations, communities, or collaborators.

Support material: Examples demonstrating the applicant’s artistic practice.

Detailed budget: Expected income and expenditure associated with the project.

Cultural and Safety Protocols Applicants must demonstrate that their projects will be delivered responsibly and in accordance with relevant protocols.

Applications should address:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols Cultural protocols should be incorporated into the project from the planning stage rather than treated as an administrative requirement at the end of the application. How to Apply Applicants can use the following process to prepare their application.

Step 1: Define the Creative Project

Clearly identify:

What you want to create or present. The art form involved. The project’s objectives. The intended audience or community. How the project will benefit your artistic practice.

Step 2: Develop the Project Plan

Describe the activities required to complete the project.

Include major stages such as:

Research and planning Creative development Production Presentation or exhibition Promotion Documentation Evaluation Not every project will require all of these stages, so applicants should include only activities relevant to their proposal.

Step 3: Prepare a Realistic Timeline

Create a clear schedule showing when major activities will take place. The timeline should be achievable and should allow enough time for: The budget should be consiste