Call for Proposals: International Engagement Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 13-Oct-2026

The International Engagement Fund supports Australian artists and creative workers to undertake reciprocal international exchange activities with confirmed international partners. The fund aims to promote creative development, cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and mutually beneficial collaboration between Australian practitioners and international partners. Eligible projects can receive between $5,000 and $30,000. Funding can support artist and creative worker fees, travel, accommodation, per diems, ground transport, insurance, visas, freight, production, marketing, project management, childcare, carer and access costs, and expenses that help reduce environmental impacts. Projects can involve creative collaboration and development, cultural exchange, labs, and practice-exchange models delivered in person, online, or in hybrid formats. The program prioritises reciprocity and genuine international collaboration rather than projects focused only on international presentation or promotion. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, or international organisations proposing projects that benefit practicing Australian artists or creative workers. Individuals, groups, organisations, and small businesses may apply, provided they have a confirmed international partner. Projects must be completed within two years of the proposed start date. What Is the International Engagement Fund? The International Engagement Fund is designed to support international exchange and collaboration involving Australian artists and creative workers. The program promotes reciprocal relationships between Australian practitioners and confirmed international partners. It focuses on projects where all participating parties can contribute to and benefit from the exchange.

The fund is intended to encourage:

- Creative development - Cultural exchange - International collaboration - Knowledge sharing - Practice exchange - Innovation - Equity - Sustainability - First Nations exchange Projects should demonstrate genuine engagement between Australian and international participants rather than simply providing an opportunity for an Australian artist to present work overseas. What Funding Is Available? Eligible projects can request funding between:

- Minimum funding: $5,000

- Maximum funding: $30,000

Applicants should request an amount that is appropriate for the scale, activities, and needs of the proposed international exchange. What Can International Engagement Fund Grants Pay For? Funding can cover a broad range of expenses directly associated with eligible international exchange projects.

Eligible costs can include:

- Artist and creative worker fees - International travel - Accommodation - Per diems - Ground transport - Travel insurance - Visas - Freight - Production expenses - Marketing - Project management - Childcare costs - Carer costs - Access costs - Expenses associated with reducing environmental impacts The inclusion of childcare, carer, and access costs allows projects to address practical barriers to participation. Are Accessibility Costs Supported? Yes. The fund supports access costs that help ensure projects are inclusive and accessible for d/Deaf and disabled applicants or collaborators. Applicants should consider accessibility requirements when developing their project budget and planning participation. Supported access-related expenses can form part of the overall project costs where they are connected to the proposed activities. What Types of Projects Are Eligible? The International Engagement Fund supports activities that encourage genuine creative and cultural exchange.

Eligible activities can include:

Creative Collaboration and Development Projects may bring Australian artists and international partners together to develop creative work, ideas, practices, or new approaches. Cultural Exchange Projects can facilitate the exchange of cultural knowledge and perspectives between Australian practitioners and international collaborators. Labs Creative or practice-based laboratory models may be supported where they contribute to development, experimentation, collaboration, or knowledge sharing. Practice-Exchange Models Projects can use structured practice-exchange approaches that allow participants to share skills, methods, experiences, and creative knowledge. Can Projects Be Delivered Online?

Yes. Eligible activities can take place:

- In person - Online - Through hybrid formats This allows applicants and international partners to design exchange models that suit their creative objectives and practical circumstances. What Does Reciprocity Mean in This Fund? Reciprocity is a central principle of the International Engagement Fund. A reciprocal project involves meaningful participation and benefit for the different parties involved.

Applicants should demonstrate:

- What Australian artists or creative workers contribute. - What international partners contribute. - What participants learn from one another. - How knowledge is exchanged. - How the collaboration benefits participating practitioners. - How the relationship supports longer-term creative development. A project that simply sends an Australian artist overseas for a presentation may not demonstrate the same level of reciprocal exchange as a project involving genuine collaboration and shared learning. What Projects Are the Fund Looking For? The program encourages projects focused on: - International collaboration - Mutual participation - Cross-cultural knowledge sharing - Creative development - Innovation - Equity - Sustainability - First Nations exchange - Reciprocal artistic relationships Applicants should explain the value of the international partnership and why international exchange is important to the proposed project. Which Art Forms Are Supported? The fund supports a broad range of art forms, including: - Community arts and cultural development - Dance - Emerging and experimental arts - First Nations arts and c