Artist Opportunities
Art Almanac prides itself on being a resource for artists. We have selected a few galleries and funding bodies calling for submissions for Awards, Artist Engagements, Grants, Public Art, Residency Programs, Exhibition Proposals and more. Click here for the full list of Art Awards and Proposals and Submissions and Internships & Fellowships. Enjoy and good luck!
Successful outcomes:
Last month, Ellen Ferrier received the 2023 Windmill Trust Scholarship for regional NSW artists, and the 2023 Bowness Photography Prize winners were announced.
Arts Short Notice Activity Program
Submissions close 4pm (AWST), Thursday December 7, 2023
The Arts Short Notice Activity Program (Arts SNAP) for individuals and groups offers funding for regional, national, and international short notice activities for artists and creative industry professionals. The program supports the growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian artists and arts workers in high-quality arts and cultural opportunities. Grants of up to $5,000 for national and regional opportunities, and up to $10,000 for international, are available for individuals and groups. The Arts SNAP is open twice per year for extended periods. Visit the website for guidelines; dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding.
Lord Mayor’s Creative Fellowships
Applications close Monday December 18, 2023
Brisbane City Council’s Lord Mayor’s Creative Fellowships support local artists, arts workers, cultural workers, or creative producers wishing to develop and expand their careers in the arts and cultural sector by participating in professional development opportunities that may include skills development, masterclasses/workshops, art residencies, attendance at conferences, short course training, defined mentorships, and structured learning experiences. Support of professional development may also include up to 50% of the total project budget to fund travel, accommodation and living expenses as outlined in the eligibility and grant requirement section. Up to $10,000 per application is available. More information online; brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/grants-awards-and-sponsorships.
Ian Potter Cultural Trust Emerging Artist Grants
Entries close 5pm (AEDT), Tuesday January 23, 2024, for projects/travel after Friday April 26, 2024
The Ian Potter Cultural Trust runs three funding rounds per year to support emerging Australian artists to undertake professional development opportunities, gain experience, develop networks, and learn skills from leaders in their field. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to assist artists to take up these professional development opportunities, usually overseas. The Cultural Trust primarily provides support for structured professional development and networking opportunities such as residencies, mentorships, study tours that have a clear skills development focus, private lessons, internships, conferences, and workshops. Please note that projects for which the sole purpose is an exhibition, performance, or the making of a work (such as a recording or publication) are not eligible. Visit website for Terms and Conditions and additional information; ianpotterculturaltrust.org.au/funding-rounds.
NT Arts Grants Program
2025–29 Arts Organisations funding
Applications close 12pm (ACST), Thursday January 25, 2024
Applications are open as part of the Arts Grants Program, which secures funding for five years. Grants of up to $250,000 per year are available for established arts organisations under the Leading Arts Organisation category, and up to $50,000 per year is on offer for small arts organisations under the Key Arts Organisation category. Funding is provided annually for five years for arts organisations that produce art or operate in support of the arts with a track record of delivering innovative projects and high-quality arts programs and services. Partnering with leading arts organisations is vital to the Territory’s social, cultural, and economic future, empowering artists, amplifying the impact of the arts, fostering innovation, creativity and collaboration, and creating a vibrant, culturally rich future for the Northern Territory. Twenty-three arts organisations are currently funded under the five-year program, providing employment to more than 3,000 artists and creatives, delivering programs and services to around two million people. Visit the website for details and to apply; nt.gov.au/leisure/arts-culture-heritage/grants.
Sydney Film Festival 2024
Submissions close Friday March 1, 2024
Entries are now open for the 71st Sydney Film Festival, in cinemas from 5 to 16 June 2024. Showcasing an array of diverse stories, the event continues its tradition of premiering a rich blend of features, documentaries, and short films at venues throughout Sydney. The 2024 season will celebrate the 55th year of the Festival’s Australian short film competition, making it the oldest short film competition in Australia. With a prize pool of $155,000, entries are open to features, documentaries, and short films in all categories of the festival program. The winners of the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films and the Documentary Australia Award are Academy Award eligible. Visit the websites for more information on eligibility criteria and submission details:
sff.org.au/info/submissions
filmfreeway.com/SydneyFilmFestival
Arts industry development grant
Applications open Monday January 29, 2024, and close 2pm (ACST), Friday March 4, 2024
Arts organisations are invited to apply for grants to support new initiatives that will increase the capability, operational capacity and sustainability of the Northern Territory arts sector: accessible arts – up to $20,000 to increase the capacity, profile and employment of artists with disability, increase access to the arts for audiences with disability; audience diversification – up to $20,000 to diversify audiences and expand reach; digital capability and new technologies – up to $20,000 to upskill and utilise digital technologies, diversify markets and expand reach. For eligibility requirements, visit the Arts Grants Program guidelines; nt.gov.au/leisure/arts-culture-heritage/grants.
Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP)
Round 5 opens Friday March 4, 2024, and closes Monday April 15, 2024, for activities starting from Monday July 22, 2024
The Queensland Arts Showcase Program (QASP) supports the development and presentation of new arts and cultural works by individual Queensland artists, organisations, and communities; strengthens skills development and provides new employment and career development opportunities for artists and arts workers; and grows a pipeline of high-quality arts, cultural products, and experiences. Applications are invited from individuals and organisations for projects and programs at different stages of development, from creative development to production, presentation, and distribution. Funding is available for single-year projects of up to $70,000 for projects and programs for up to twelve months and two-year projects of up to $150,000 to support the development and delivery of single projects and programs across financial years. Go online for guidelines and to apply; arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding/aq-queensland-arts-showcase-program.
Country Arts SA’s Artist Professional Development Grants
Submissions close at midnight (ACST), Sunday June 30, 2024
Country Arts SA’s Artist Professional Development Grants are available to support South Australian regional artists and arts workers to participate in professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, seminars and so on. The grants are fast-turnaround and are intended for those who wish to undertake a time-sensitive professional development opportunity. Grants up to $1,500 and $2,000 are available per application for applicants residing in specific areas in regional or remote South Australia. Visit the website for guidelines and eligibility criteria; countryarts.org.au/for-artists/grants.
American Australian Association Arts Fund, Indigenous Scholarships
Applications all year round
The American-Australian Arts Fund (AAAF) provides support of up to $20,000 (USD) to emerging Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Indigenous Australian, and Torres Strait Islander artists to study or undertake artistic development in each other’s countries, respectively. The American Australian Association awards more than fifteen arts scholarships and grants annually to talented emerging artists. Full details are available on the AAAF website; americanaustralian.org.
Arts and culture professional development grant
Open all year round until all funding has been allocated
The Northern Territory Government’s Arts and culture professional development grant offers up to $2,000 per year for eligible artists and arts workers for participation in specialist arts workshops, arts industry forums, national markets and showcasing events. Read more about eligibility and terms and conditions on the website. Applications can be submitted online via the GrantsNT portal; grantsnt.nt.gov.au.
Artback NT Touring Exhibition Program
Ongoing
The Artback NT Touring Exhibition Program focuses on touring quality visual arts exhibitions generated within the NT to audiences in remote, regional, and metropolitan locations nationally. Exhibitions may be fully resolved and ready to tour or may need development support to be tour ready. Proposals are invited from organisations, educational institutions, community groups, public galleries, independent curators, and artists. Expressions of Interest are accepted at any time and will be responded to within three weeks, at which time applicants may be invited to submit a more detailed proposal. Touring Exhibition Proposals are reviewed twice yearly in April and September. Please note this is not an application
for funding. Successful proposals will be used to develop applications to seek funds to progress the touring project. Proposal guidelines are available on the website; artbacknt.com.au.
Bathurst Public Art Artist Register
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery invites artists to register their interest to participate in public art projects in the New South Wales Bathurst region 2795. The artist register aims to collect information which may be forwarded on to third parties such as residential and commercial property owners for murals on public-facing walls, Bathurst Regional Council for festivals, events, street furniture and the like, and other organisations developing public art projects. Register online; bathurstart.com.au.
Broken Hill Art Exchange Residencies
Ongoing
The Broken Hill Art Exchange provides facilities, including living, studio spaces, and workshops for artists and other industry sectors working across various fields of practice to research and explore artistic endeavours. There are three residency application categories: Professional practice: for self-initiated projects and private studio time; Community development: to engage local communities and groups through workshop or projects; and Industry development: for long-term residencies with a view to enhance Broken Hill’s reputation as a profitable artistic hub. More information is available online; brokenhillartexchange.org.au.
City of Adelaide Arts and Cultural Grants Program
Ongoing
The City of Adelaide Arts and Cultural Grants Program provides funding to eligible groups, organisations, and individuals for the delivery of creative arts and cultural projects for Adelaide – contributing to a welcoming and dynamic city full of rich and diverse experiences. Funding of up to $2,000 is available for projects including events, activities, performances, public artworks, and workshops. Visit the website for terms and conditions and to apply; cityofadelaide.com.au.
City of Ryde Artist Register
The City of Ryde invites individual artists, creative groups, and organisations from within the local community to join the Artist Register. The Artist Register is a resource composed and employed by Council to program local creatives in events and projects, share expressions of interest for artistic opportunities and facilitate sector networking, and is open to artists who live, work, study or play in the City of Ryde. Click the link above to go to the Art Register.
City of Sydney – Short-term empty properties program
This program has no set dates or rounds. It is responsive as properties become available
The City of Sydney owns multiple commercial and community properties within the inner-city area, which, on occasion, become vacant for short periods between tenancies. To ensure empty properties don’t sit idle, the City of Sydney offers the spaces to artists and creatives to use for short-term creative projects for up to twelve months, with significantly reduced rental rates. Go online to sign-up to the mailing list and be notified when new opportunities arise. The application process is managed by local arts organisation Brand X. Visit the website to find out more about the suitable use of the spaces; cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cultural-support-funding.
Creative Hobart Grants
Applications ongoing
Creative Hobart supports cultural and creative programs that encourage community participation and attract cultural tourism through the Creative Hobart Grants scheme. Two grant categories provide funding for eligible organisations and groups to deliver one-off activities involving artists and communities in the creation, direction, and management of cultural projects within the Hobart municipal area. More information about eligibility can be found on the City of Hobart’s website Community pages.
Creative Partnerships Australia Free Coaching and Advice
Creative Partnerships Australia (CPA) is offering free one-on-one coaching and expert advice to artists and arts organisations covering topics of philanthropy, fundraising and development, and securing investment and partnerships. Appointments for coaching and advice services are free of charge and can take place in-person, over the phone or through digital communication channels. To arrange an appointment, visit CPA’s website and explore the resources pages for artists and organisations to access the Professional Development menu and the Coaching and advice portal to submit an enquiry via the contact form; creativepartnerships.gov.au.
Cultural and Creative Industries Expert Register
Arts Tasmania is calling for expressions of interest from people who are working or engaged within the arts and screen sectors to apply to join the Cultural and Creative Industries Expert Register. Arts Tasmania seeks a broad range of candidates across artforms, ages, cultural background and career stages, including artists, practitioners, administrators, and other sector professionals, and are currently interested in applicants who have expertise in the areas of Cultural Arts and Community Development. Successful applicants may be invited to join a panel to assess applications in support of Arts Tasmania and Screen Tasmania programs, but are under no obligation to participate if invited. Assessors are paid in accordance with Tasmanian Government guidelines. Visit Arts Tasmania’s Grants and Funding pages online for more information and to register your interest, or contact the organisation by calling (03) 6165-6666 or via email opsctd@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.
Culture Map Live Artists, Designers and Creators
Northern Beaches Council have launched an innovative online mapping project, which aims to highlight the evolving and everchanging cultural and creative sector that exists on the Northern Beaches. A wide range of cultural and creative businesses, specialised designers, visual and performing artists, creators and makers, musicians, art in public places and much more are currently listed on the site. The platform is available to everyone and can be utilised as a resource to search for events, business, and cultural organisations, and as a tool for creatives business, events, studios, and the like, to be included on the map. Council will refresh the map as new businesses emerge, creative events develop, and public artworks are installed. Go online to explore Culture Map Live and to include a listing; northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/culture-map-live.
First Nations Curators Program
Applications open all year round
Firstdraft supports an emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander practitioner to present an exhibition at Firstdraft, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, through the First Nations Curators Program designed to provide early-career curators with new skills, professional development, and access to key industry networks. Successful applicants receive $1,500 curator/s fee per exhibition; up to $5,000 artist/s fees per exhibition; a fully subsidised six-week exhibition in Gallery 1; professional mentorship with an established First Peoples curator; contribution to production and install costs; contribution to travel and/or freight in line with our Travel Fund; marketing and communications support, including professional documentation; an opening night event and a curator/artist(s) talk; firstdraft.org.au.
Museums & Galleries of NSW – Grants
Museums & Galleries of NSW (M&G NSW) offer support to cultural institutions to develop their programs and the visitor experience. M&G NSW assists with professional development, small grant funding and Aboriginal cultural development projects for small to medium galleries, museums and Aboriginal cultural centres in NSW, to enable them to maximise their impact and help create strong and thriving local communities. There are several grants on offer including Gallery and Volunteer Museum Grants, Fellowship and Mentoring Programs and much more.
NAVA Artists’ Benevolent Fund
Ongoing
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) have renewed their Artists’ Benevolent Fund, which provides one-off payments of $2,000 to Australian visual artists in a state of crisis as a result of fire, flood, storm, serious illness, major accident, declared state or national emergencies, or some other unexpected catastrophic experience. As applicants will be seeking access to the Fund at the most difficult of times, the application process presents minimal burden to artists. To read the Terms and Conditions and application process, visit the website.
Regional Arts Development Fund – Activate Small Grants
Ongoing
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), which is delivered by the City of Gold Coast in partnership with Arts Queensland offers funding to support a wide range of arts and cultural projects, artists and arts and cultural workers at all stages of their career. Active Small Grants offer up to $5,000 for individuals, organisations, and collectives seeking smaller levels of funding for arts and culture-based activities. More information is available on the City of Gold Coast website; goldcoast.qld.gov.au.
Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants
Applications close 11.59pm on the last day of each month
RANT Arts’ Quick Response Grants fund professional development opportunities for Tasmanian artists, arts workers and organisations or small project opportunities. The program is open ten times each year during the following months: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Artists can apply for up to $3,000, and organisations can apply for up to $5,000; rantarts.com/quick-response-grants.
Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery Artist Studio Residency
Ongoing
Emerging and established artists are invited to submit proposals for two to four-week residencies for the development of artistic explorations in any theme and medium at Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery’s Artist in Residence/Project Space, Port Pirie SA 5540. The public space is designed for local artists to explore, collaborate, and showcase their creative skills in an interactive environment that will encourage audience interaction. Proposals must demonstrate a high level of technical skill, with consideration for the safe installation of works and engagement with audiences. Visit the website for more information and contact details; pprag.org.au/artist-in-residence.
Professional Development Fund Grant
Open all year round
The Northern Territory Arts Grant Program supported by Arts NT offers support for professional artists and arts workers in the Northern Territory to access development opportunities through the Professional Development Fund Grants. Applicants can apply for up to $2,000 per financial year. Supported activities include participation in specialist workshops and training, arts industry forums, national markets and showcasing events. Support for attending awards, ceremonies, exhibitions, and competitions
is not priority.
Tactile Arts Workshop Proposals
Ongoing
Experienced artists working across a range of art, craft, and design practices are invited to submit Expressions of Interest to run workshops in all media and disciplines, including ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, weaving, photography, glass, and jewellery, at Tactile Arts Studios located on the grounds of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, The Gardens NT 0820. Tactile Arts operates a multi-functional arts facility with specialist studios, multi-purpose spaces, and a gallery for exhibitions. Their workshop program is designed to engage participants of all skill levels across a diverse range of mediums, from school holiday workshops for children to specialist masterclasses. Contact information and a link to a budget template and submission forms are available online; tactilearts.org.au.
Tanks Arts Centre Residency Program
Ongoing
The Tanks Arts Centre Artist in Residence program has been developed to appeal to a range of arts practitioners working across visual art, music, writing, performance, multi-media, and community cultural development. Opportunities are offered for short and long-term projects, especially those that have a connection to or presentation outcome at Tanks Arts Centre. Applications are welcome from all parties, with no set application deadlines. The program invites creative ideas from local, national and international artists and community groups. Visit the website to download guidelines and application form; tanksartscentre.com.
Tasmanian Residencies
The Tasmanian residency program is offered by Arts Tasmania in partnership with several wilderness, historic, and private artist residence sites across Tasmania. Depending on the site, residencies can be undertaken in blocks of one or two weeks at a time or all at once. Available locations change yearly, and available funds vary; please visit the grants portal on the website to find out more about what you can apply for and the list of current participating locations; arts.tas.gov.au.
THRF Video and Moving Image Program
Ongoing
Expressions of interest are welcomed throughout the year from artists wishing to participate in The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group – Creative Health Video and Moving Image Program, which aims to improve the experience of healthcare by providing accessible and engaging experiences for everyone in the hospital and THRF Group – Creative Health communities. Existing solely in the digital space and viewed via the THRF Group website, this Program can reach patients at their bedsides or visitors in the waiting room with ease and contribute to further improving healthcare quality and experience. More information online; creativehealth.org.au/video-and-moving-image-applications.
West Tamar Small Project Grants
Applications open all year round
West Tamar Council’s Small Project Grants respond to requests for funding throughout the year and provide an opportunity for new applicants to form a relationship with Council and gain an understanding of the grant process. Small Project Grants are assessed monthly and allow groups, and organisations who meet the selection criteria to gain access to small amounts of grant funding, up to $1,500. All potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Development Officer to provide a brief overview of their project. Please read the guidelines on the website thoroughly prior to submitting your application. Contact the Community Development Officer on (03) 6323-9200, if required.
Woden Arts Register
Ongoing
The Woden Arts Register, a directive of Woden Arts in the ACT, invites artists working across all art forms including, but not limited to musicians, visual artists, writers, and performers based in the Woden 2606 local area to join. Information provided to the register is used to share opportunities with local artists through the Woden Arts Program, and to identify artists suited to perform at events, participate in exhibitions, deliver workshops, or be involved in other arts activities; tuggeranongarts.com.