Request for Applications: First Nations Arts d/Deaf and/or Disabilities Project Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The First Nations Arts d/Deaf and/or Disabilities Project Fund provides AUD $5,000 to $10,000 to support Australian First Nations d/Deaf artists, artists with disability, arts workers, groups, and eligible First Nations organisations. Funding can support creative projects, professional development, research, mentoring, residencies, exhibitions, performances, collaborations, and other artistic activities undertaken nationally, internationally, or online. What Is the First Nations Arts d/Deaf and/or Disabilities Project Fund? The fund is offered by Creative Australia to support the artistic and professional development of Australian First Nations artists and arts workers who are d/Deaf and/or have disability. The programme builds on Creative Australia’s long-standing support for First Nations artistic and cultural expression. It responds to priorities identified by First Nations communities and seeks to strengthen participation, accessibility, career development, and creative opportunities across the arts sector. Funding is available across all art forms and can support activities in Australia or overseas. What Does the Fund Support? The fund supports both creative projects and professional development opportunities. Through a combination of in-person and online activities. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants can request between AUD $5,000 and $10,000 for an eligible project or professional development opportunity. The requested amount should be supported by a realistic project budget that clearly explains how the funding will be used. Project Timeline Projects must meet specific timing requirements.

Earliest project start date: 1 February 2027.

Maximum project duration: Two years from the approved start date.

Activities must be completed within the permitted project period. Applicants should ensure that their proposed timeline is practical and allows enough time for planning, delivery, accessibility requirements, and reporting. Who Is Eligible? The fund is open to eligible Australian First Nations d/Deaf artists, artists with disability, arts workers, groups, and First Nations organisations. Individual and Group Applicants

Applicants must:

Identify as First Nations. Identify as d/Deaf and/or as a person with disability. Be at least 18 years old. Be based in Australia. Eligible groups must meet the relevant First Nations and d/Deaf and/or disability requirements. First Nations Organisations

Organisations must:

Be recognised as an Australian First Nations organisation. Be based in Australia. Have at least 51% First Nations representation on their board. Have a history of supporting First Nations d/Deaf artists and/or First Nations artists with disability. Who Is Not Eligible?

Applicants may be ineligible if they:

Have overdue Creative Australia grant reports. Owe money to Creative Australia. Seek funding for a project that has already received Creative Australia funding. Do not meet the First Nations eligibility requirements. Do not meet the d/Deaf and/or disability eligibility requirements. Are under 18 where an individual applicant is required to be an adult. Applicants should carefully review all current fund requirements before submitting an application. Why This Fund Matters The programme addresses barriers that can affect access to artistic opportunities for First Nations d/Deaf artists and artists with disability. Set out the major stages of the project from preparation through completion. The timeline should demonstrate that the project can realistically be completed within two years of the start date.

Step 6: Address Cultural Protocols and Intellectual Property

Where the project involves First Nations cultural knowledge, materials, stories, practices, or intellectual property, explain how appropriate protocols will be followed. This is an important consideration in the assessment process.

Step 7: Demonstrate Support

Include evidence of relevant community or partner support where appropriate. Letters, confirmations, partnerships, or other evidence can help demonstrate that the project has a strong foundation and realistic delivery arrangements. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

Being specific: Clearly describe what will happen and what the funding will achieve.

Showing impact: Explain measurable or meaningful benefits to artistic practice and career development.

Connecting the budget to activities: Every major cost should have a clear purpose.

Keeping the project realistic: Avoid proposing more activities than the available funding and timeframe can reasonably support.

Explaining accessibility: Clearly identify accessibility needs and how they will be addressed.

Demonstrating support: Include relevant community and partner relationships.

Respecting cultural protocols: Clearly explain how First Nations cultural and intellectual property will be protected and used appropriately.

Focusing on outcomes: Explain what will be different or improved because of the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Requesting less or more than the permitted AUD $5,000–$10,000 range. Starting the project before 1 February 2027. Proposing a project that has already received Creative Australia funding. Submitting an unrealistic budget. Providing an unclear project timeline. Failing to explain career or artistic benefits. Ignoring First Nations cultural protocols. Providing insufficient information about community or partner support. Applying while having overdue Creative Australia reporting obligations or outstanding debts. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding can applicants receive? Eligible applicants can request between AUD $5,000 and $10,000 for an approved project or professional development opportunity. Who can apply for the fund? Eligible applicants include Australian First Nations individuals and groups who identify as d/Deaf and/or as having disability and are aged 18 or over. Eligible Australian First