CFAs: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Grants – Professional Development (Australia)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

Create SA is inviting individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers in South Australia to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for professional development, skills training, mentoring, residencies, internships, conferences, and other opportunities that strengthen their arts or cultural practice. Eligible individuals can use the funding for expenses such as travel, accommodation, fees, materials, living costs, and studio or equipment hire. What Is the Create SA Professional Development Grant? The Create SA grant stream supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers seeking professional development opportunities in South Australia. The programme recognises that ongoing training, mentoring, networking, and practical experience can help artists and cultural workers strengthen their skills and develop sustainable careers. Funding can support opportunities that contribute directly to an applicant’s artistic, cultural, professional, or career development. How Much Funding Is Available? Successful applicants can receive up to $10,000 per application. The funding can contribute to eligible costs directly associated with the approved professional development opportunity. The proposed activity should clearly demonstrate how it will strengthen the applicant’s arts or cultural practice. Who Is Eligible? The grant is specifically designed for individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts or cultural workers. Eligible applicants must be individuals working or developing their practice in the arts or cultural sector. Arts and cultural organisations and Aboriginal arts centres may also assist individual applicants by submitting or auspicing an application on their behalf. Who Is Not Eligible? The following are not eligible to apply as direct applicants: Non-Aboriginal and non-Torres Strait Islander individuals Groups applying in their own organisational capacity Arts organisations applying for organisational activities Aboriginal arts centres applying for their own organisational projects Groups and organisations may participate where they are auspicing an eligible individual artist or arts worker. Why Does This Grant Matter? Professional development can be particularly important for artists and arts workers seeking to expand their skills, professional networks, and career opportunities. The Create SA grant can help eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners access opportunities that might otherwise be financially difficult to undertake. Collaboration with experienced artists and organisations By investing directly in individual practitioners, the programme contributes to the growth and development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts sector in South Australia. How to Use the Funding Applicants should select a professional development opportunity that has a clear connection to their current or planned arts or cultural practice. For example, funding could help an artist: Attend a specialist masterclass. Undertake mentoring with an experienced practitioner. Cover accommodation and travel associated with a professional development opportunity. The strongest proposals should explain not only what the applicant wants to do, but also how the opportunity will contribute to their professional development and artistic practice. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a clear proposal explaining the professional development opportunity and its expected benefits.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure that you:

Are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individual. Are an artist or arts/cultural worker. Have a professional development opportunity relevant to your practice. Can demonstrate how the proposed activity will strengthen your skills or career.

Step 2: Identify the Development Opportunity

Choose an opportunity that directly supports your artistic or cultural practice.

This could be a:

Course Workshop Residency Mentoring programme Conference Internship Work placement Masterclass Festival attachment

Step 3: Develop a Professional Development Plan

Explain what you intend to learn or achieve.

Include details about:

The opportunity. Why it is relevant to your practice. Skills you expect to develop. Professional connections you expect to build. How the experience will influence your future work.

Step 4: Prepare Your Budget

Provide a realistic breakdown of the costs associated with the activity. The total funding request should not exceed $10,000.

Step 5: Apply as an Individual or Through an Auspice

Eligible individual artists and arts workers can apply directly. Where appropriate, an arts or cultural organisation or Aboriginal arts centre can auspice the application on behalf of an eligible individual. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly connecting the requested funding to their artistic or cultural career. Explain why the opportunity is important now. Clearly identify the skills you want to develop. Show how the activity connects to your existing practice. Explain how the experience could contribute to future work. Provide a realistic and well-supported budget. Identify the professional networks or relationships you expect to develop. Demonstrate the longer-term value of the opportunity. Make sure every requested expense relates directly to the proposed development activity. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying as an organisation: The funding is intended for individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers.

Leaving eligibility unclear: Clearly establish your eligibility as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander practitioner.

Providing a vague development plan: Explain exactly what you intend to learn or achieve.

Requesting unrelated costs: Funding should be connected to the professional development opportunity.

Failing to explain career benefits: Show how the activity will strengthen your practice or professional pathway.