Elevate: Supporting First Nations Storytelling and Literature in Australia

Deadline: 15-Sep-26

The Elevate: First Nations Storytelling and Literature Fund supports Australian First Nations writers, poets, editors, illustrators, journalists, arts workers, and literature-sector groups to develop their careers and create, publish, and promote First Nations stories. Successful applicants receive a fixed grant of $10,000 AUD for eligible activities that begin on or after 1 February 2027 and are completed within 12 months.

About the Elevate: First Nations Storytelling and Literature Fund

The Elevate Fund is designed to strengthen the professional development and creative opportunities of Australian First Nations practitioners working in the literature sector. The program supports the creation and sharing of First Nations stories, voices, knowledge, and perspectives across Australia and internationally. It can help practitioners develop new literary work, build professional networks, access mentoring and training, and reach wider audiences. Supported projects can take place in Australia, internationally, online, or through a combination of delivery formats. What Does the Fund Support? The Elevate Fund provides support for a broad range of career development, literary creation, publishing, and storytelling activities.

Eligible activities may include:

Creation of new literary works. Writing, poetry, editing, illustration, journalism, and related literary projects. Activities that promote and share First Nations stories and voices. The program is particularly relevant to applicants seeking support for creative development, professional growth, cultural storytelling, publishing, and audience engagement. Funding Amount Each successful applicant or eligible group receives a fixed grant of $10,000 AUD. The grant is intended to cover eligible project expenses associated with the proposed activity. Be Australian First Nations individuals or groups. Be based in Australia. Work within the literature sector. Have a project or professional development activity that fits the objectives of the fund. Ensure the proposed activity begins on or after 1 February 2027. Complete the supported activity within 12 months. Who Is Not Eligible? Applicants should carefully check the exclusions before applying.

The fund does not support:

Previous recipients of this program within the last year. Applicants who are not based in Australia. Educational fees as the primary purpose of the application. Large capital equipment purchases. Projects that have already received funding from Creative Australia. More than one application from the same applicant in a single round. Only one application per applicant per round is permitted. What Can the $10,000 Grant Be Used For? The funding is flexible enough to support both creative production and professional development. For example, a writer could use the grant to develop a new book, pay for professional editing, participate in a residency, attend an international literary event, or undertake mentoring. A literature-sector practitioner could also combine several eligible activities within one coherent project, such as: Developing a new literary work. Working with an editor or mentor. Undertaking cultural consultations. Publishing or promoting the completed work.

Participating in an event or conference to build professional networks

The proposed costs should directly relate to the project and demonstrate how the funding will contribute to the applicant’s creative or professional development. Why the Elevate Fund Matters The program provides targeted support for First Nations storytelling, literary careers, cultural knowledge, and creative practice. Its importance extends beyond individual financial assistance. By supporting First Nations practitioners to create and share original work, the fund can contribute to: Greater visibility for First Nations voices. Professional development within Australia’s literature sector. Stronger connections between artists, communities, publishers, and audiences. International and national exposure for First Nations stories. Recognition of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. The fund therefore combines arts funding, career development, cultural preservation, storytelling, and audience engagement. How to Apply Applicants should develop a clear project proposal that demonstrates why the activity is important and how the $10,000 grant will be used.

A practical application process is:

Confirm your eligibility. Make sure you are an Australian First Nations applicant working in the literature sector and meet the program’s other requirements. Define your project. Clearly explain what you want to create, develop, publish, learn, or deliver. Establish the timeframe. Make sure the activity starts on or after 1 February 2027 and can be completed within 12 months. Prepare a realistic budget. Identify eligible expenses such as artist fees, editing, publishing, travel, accommodation, mentoring, workshops, cultural consultations, or ICIP-related costs. Explain the professional and creative benefits. Describe how the project will strengthen your career, creative practice, literary work, or contribution to the sector. Address cultural considerations. Where relevant, explain how Elders’ consultation, cultural protocols, or Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property considerations will be incorporated. Submit only one application. Applicants are limited to one application per round. Tips for a Strong Application A competitive application should be specific, realistic, and clearly connected to the fund’s objectives.

Consider the following:

Explain the idea clearly: Avoid vague descriptions of your proposed work.

Show professional development: Explain how the activity will strengthen your skills, career, networks, or creative practice.

Provide a realistic budget: Match each major expense to a specific project activity.

Demonstrate cultural responsibility: Include appropriate consultation, cultural protocols, and ICIP considerations w