The department distributes grants and funding to support vibrant and sustainable arts, culture and creative industry sectors in WA.
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Media release
Two new grant programs will soon open to support the next generation of Western Australian artists and arts workers, as part of the WA Government's plan to grow our creative industries
Aboriginal cultural understanding is coming to more classrooms across WA schools, with cultural initiatives receiving support through the WA Government’s Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.
WA’s regions are set to host a variety of exciting and unique performing arts experiences including performances of puppetry, dance, theatre, singing and more, through WA Government culture and the arts funding.
Western Australians can look forward to plenty of exciting arts and cultural activities including various exhibitions, performances, theatre shows, educational workshops and much more through WA Government culture and the arts funding.
We know that investment in children and young people’s ability to think deeply, critically and creatively is essential to developing the skills necessary to thrive today.
Grants totalling $88,735 that are designed to bring understanding of Aboriginal culture to Western Australian classrooms have been awarded by the WA Government through the 2024 Term 3 funding round of the Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.
Western Australian children’s book author Sharon Giltrow is back with Toby King and the Utility Belt, the second book in her middle-grade series The Utility Belt.
A new program to improve creativity and wellbeing for young people across Western Australia will be trialled after the State Government approved $600,000 in funding for 8 organisations to deliver culture and the arts projects with health benefits.
More than $1 million in additional funding over 4 years has been approved for the successful Wirnan Cultural Engagement and Learning Project involving 6 art centres in the Kimberley.
The Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries is actively supporting the Community Recovery Grants Program, which is aimed at assisting communities affected by the events associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
With the aim of ensuring a thriving cultural and creative industry, the State Government is providing organisational funding to Western Australia's peak arts and culture body, the Chamber of Arts and Culture, over the next 2 years.
Using creativity to enhance the critical thinking skills of children and young people is the main aim of awarding more than half a million dollars in grants to a wide variety of creative learning projects throughout WA.
The State Government is investing $609,088 in 13 diverse projects including the presentation of the New Bachelorette, a theatrical production by Julia Hales and Bron Batten.
The Department of Sport, Local Government and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is seeking expressions of interest from people with experience in the Western Australian arts and cultural sector to assess grant applications for the culture and arts team.
2 new programs are opening today for short-notice opportunities that arise for Western Australian artists or contemporary musicians.
Western Australian community projects will benefit from sharing in about $600,000 in unclaimed gambling winnings.
Students throughout Western Australia will benefit from enriched learning through the arts following the allocation of $485,126 in Creativity for Schools funding for residency and collaboration projects.
Local governments across the state are receiving support to undertake cultural planning, thanks to the latest round of culture and arts funding from the State Government.
20 projects throughout the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West, Goldfields-Esperance and metropolitan regions will share in $469,384 through the Connecting to Country program.
From an Italian-Yamaji opera to intergenerational arts collaborations, a dozen regional projects will be increasing social inclusion and access to arts and culture.
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September 2025
Open: 9/2/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 10/9/2025 8:00:00 AM
August 2024
Open: 8/27/2024 1:00:00 AM
Close: 10/3/2024 8:00:00 AM
December 2023
Open: 12/19/2023 1:00:00 AM
Close: 2/1/2024 8:00:00 AM
Opening 2 September 2025
Funding for projects that support participation in, access to and creation of arts and culture in regional Western Australia.
For arts and cultural projects in regional WA that align with the following objectives:
September 2022
Open: 9/6/2022 1:00:00 AM
Close: 10/20/2022 8:00:00 AM
August 2025
Open: 8/6/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 9/11/2025 8:00:00 AM
April 2025
Open: 4/8/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 5/15/2025 8:00:00 AM
December 2024
Open: 12/3/2024 1:00:00 AM
Close: 1/16/2025 8:00:00 AM
Opening 6 August 2025
Offering between $5000 and $80,000 funding for artists and creative industry professionals to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.
The program supports the development and growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian communities in high quality arts and cultural experiences.
Offering between $5000 and $80,000 funding for arts and creative industry organisations to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.
Round 1 2025 to 2026
Open: 7/8/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 12/4/2025 8:00:00 AM
Arts Short Notice Activity Program || Round 1 2025 to 2026 || open || Funding round open Closing: 4:00pm 4 December 2025
Round 2 2024 to 2025
Open: 1/7/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 6/5/2025 8:00:00 AM
Arts Short Notice Activity Program || Round 2 2024 to 2025 || open || Funding round open Closing: 4:00pm 4 December 2025
Closing 4:00pm 4 December 2025
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 $5000 for national and regional opportunities, and up to $10,000 for international, are available for individuals and groups.
September 2024
Open: 9/3/2024 1:00:00 AM
Close: 10/10/2024 8:00:00 AM
2023-24
Open: 10/31/2023 1:00:00 AM
Supports projects that enable Western Australian Aboriginal people and organisations to undertake on Country activities that foster the intergenerational transfer of knowledge, preservation of culture and strengthening of communities.
The program intends to:
Contemporary Music Fund Development Program || Round 1 2025 to 2026 || open || Funding round open Closing: 4:00pm 4 December 2025
The Contemporary Music Fund (CMF) assists homegrown contemporary music artists with projects that enable them to produce and promote their work, along with building links nationally and internationally.
The Contemporary Music Fund Development Program supports career changing opportunities for individuals, bands and music industry professionals.
The program offers up to $20,000 funding for professional development, sector development, international, national, and regional touring/showcasing opportunities, and recording and promotional activities.
For the purpose of this program, contemporary music is defined as music that is currently being written and recorded and/or performed, with priority given to music that is broadly understood as popular.
The CMF Development Program is designed to complement existing creative industries grant programs.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the opportunity or activity will develop their career and why it is particularly timely.
Round 1 2024 to 2025
Open: 7/9/2024 1:00:00 AM
Close: 12/5/2024 8:00:00 AM
August 2021
Open: 8/3/2021 1:00:00 AM
Close: 9/23/2021 8:00:00 AM
Open year-round
Open:
Close:
2022
Open: 9/15/2022 1:00:00 AM
Close: 10/27/2022 8:00:00 AM
1
Open: 7/22/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 8/28/2025 8:00:00 AM
Opening 22 July 2025
The Creative WA Fellowships program supports individual artists and creatives to undertake creative development, skills development and forge career pathways via individual arts fellowships.
This program supports the Creative WA vision to grow and sustain thriving culture, arts and creative industries in Western Australia.
The Creative WA Internships program offers organisations the opportunity to provide internships for individuals to undertake skills development and forge career pathways.
Up to 3 Creative WA Internships will be offered each year.
Expression of interest
Open: 12/15/2024 4:00:00 PM
Close: 2/6/2025 8:00:00 AM
Term 2 2025
Open: 5/6/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 6/19/2025 8:00:00 AM
Open: 4/15/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 5/22/2025 8:00:00 AM
Term 1 2025
Open: 1/30/2025 1:00:00 AM
Close: 3/27/2025 8:00:00 AM
Term 4 2024
Open: 10/15/2024 1:00:00 AM
Close: 11/28/2024 8:00:00 AM
Open: 1/30/2025 1:00:27 AM
Term 3 2024
Open: 7/25/2024 1:00:00 AM
Close: 9/5/2024 8:00:00 AM
Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program
Open: 3/24/2022 4:00:00 PM
Close: 6/30/2022 9:00:00 AM
October 2023
Open: 10/24/2023 1:00:00 AM
Close: 11/30/2023 8:00:00 AM
April 2024
Open: 4/23/2024 1:00:00 AM
Close: 5/30/2024 8:00:00 AM
Close: 2/29/2024 8:00:00 AM
Funding to support the development of new performing arts work and touring of existing performing arts work in regional Western Australia.
For the development and presentation of performing arts work in regional WA that align with 2 or more of the following objectives:
Providing opportunities for Aboriginal artists to share their stories through the development of new, large scale work.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to Aboriginal Arts Commission Fund can apply to the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development grant program when it is open.
Providing business development support for planning and skill development in the regional Aboriginal arts and culture sector.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building can apply to the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development grant program when it is open.
The Arts 15k-plus grant program offers between $15,000 and $60,000 funding for artists, creative industry professionals and organisations to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.
The Arts Organisations Investment Program is an open and competitive multiyear funding program to support Western Australia’s arts, cultural and creative sector organisations.
The Arts Organisations Investment Program aims to build strong Western Australian arts, cultural and creative sector organisations that support the vibrancy of our State and celebrates this internationally.
It invests in a portfolio of small to medium organisations that:
Improving social inclusion and access to arts and culture in regional WA.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to Community Participation and Inclusion Program can apply to the Arts Activities in Regional Communities grant program when it is open.
The Community Recovery Grants Program supports the well-being, psychosocial recovery and resilience of communities impacted by the flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
It funds local groups and community organisations to deliver activities and events that will assist the community to recover, reconnect and build capacity for future change with an emphasis on social and emotional wellbeing. The program’s key focus is to ensure that communities can access resources and services to support their ability to heal and build community resilience.
The Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program (CMF SNAP) is a grant program that supports short notice opportunities for individuals, bands and music industry professionals.
The program’s key focus is to capitalise on available opportunities by supporting applicants to respond to short notice, career building opportunities where the time frame is out of the applicant’s control and the activity cannot be funded under the Arts Projects for Individuals/Organisations grant programs.
Funding for artist-in-residence projects that engage communities and are delivered in partnership with artists and either a local government authority, local school, or community group.
The arts play a significant role in supporting communities to tackle disruption and re-establish local connection, strength and resilience beyond the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CITS and Lotterywest Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program provides funding for artist-in-residence projects that engage communities and are delivered in partnership with artists and either a local government authority, local school, not-for-profit community organisations or not-for-profit community services organisations.
Categories include:
Increasing access for students and teachers to engage in enriched learning through arts experiences.
The Creative Learning Partnerships Program offers grants between $60,000 and $250,000 per annum to deliver 2-year creative learning programs.
The Creative Learning Partnerships Program enhances students’ (years 2 to 9) and educators’ creative learning capabilities in and through the arts. Programs will build educators' pedagogical capacities and increase access to and participation in the arts, cultural and creative activities.
A key concern addressed through the program is those students who are disadvantaged and least likely to have access to such opportunities to enrich their overall learning and engagement. As part of the Creative Learning Partnerships Program, arts organisations will work with identified clusters of schools to deliver programming over two years.
Supporting projects for children and young people to engage in authentic creative and artistic experiences, promoting positive social and emotional wellbeing.
The Department Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport and Healthway recognises the importance of providing opportunities for children and young people to engage in authentic creative and artistic experiences, promoting positive social and emotional wellbeing.
The program will support the engagement of creative practitioners to use the arts as a vehicle to reach priority communities and increase opportunities for young people to engage in continuous creative activities to encourage agency, creativity, connection and resilience while supporting their overall mental, social and emotional wellbeing.
This program partners schools and creatives to embed creativity into students' learning and understanding across curriculum areas.
The Creativity for Schools Program offers funding support to connect Western Australian creatives with schools.
Creativity for Schools supports activities using arts-based practice to engage students in their learning beyond arts curriculum areas. The two program categories, Collaboration and Residency, will support access, participation and overall engagement for students (K to 12) in transformative creative learning experiences. They will also develop educators to use creative pedagogy across curriculum areas and beyond.
Helping reduce financial risks for ticketed events in WA.
As part of the State Government’s $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package, a $10 million extension to the Getting the Show Back on the Road+ (GTSBOTR+) has been announced. GTSBOTR+ aims to reduce the financial risks associated with running ticketed events in Western Australia (WA) during a COVID-19 impacted period, and to encourage the safe continuation of public ticketed events.
The GTSBOTR+ program provides support through sharing the risk of lost ticket revenue or registration fees for events impacted from 5 February 2022 from:
Due to the Level 2 Public Health and Social Measures currently in place in Western Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic where there is an impact on the viability of live performances. Payments are available to support the unrecoverable costs for the rescheduling of pre-approved events under the Getting the Show Back on the Road+ program, for events scheduled in the Level 2 Public Health and Social Measures period as follows:
The program funding caps is $150,000 against 75% of pre-approved lost ticket sales income. For events that experience significant box-office impact, support of up to $500,000 is available subject to Ministerial discretion. Any claims above the funding cap of $150,000 are assessed by external auditors, and based on unrecoverable expenditure (against substantiated receipts) not lost revenue.
GTSBOTR+ is a risk share program that works on a pre-approval model. An applicant is required to submit an application at least 2 weeks prior to an event commencing.
Please contact GTSBOTR+ team before submitting a claim above the funding cap to ensure you provide the necessary preliminary information to obtain approval to submit an above the cap funding request.
Funding of $2000 is available for diversity and inclusion activities to celebrate Harmony Week 2021.
Activities with a focus on culture and arts and sport and active recreation are encouraged.
Culture and arts activities must involve a professional artist or arts practitioner working with the community to design and deliver the activity.
Sport and active recreation activities must involve the community participating in a primary activity requiring physical exertion and/or physical skill.
Supporting the performing arts in regional Western Australia.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to In The House can apply to the Regional Arts Venues Support grant program when it is open.
Incentivising regional local governments to develop creative and cultural plans and activities.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to Community Participation and Inclusion Program can now apply to the Arts Activities in Regional Communities grant program when it is open.
Commissioning new performing arts work which is relevant to regional audiences and will be premiered in regional venues.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to Made in WA can now apply to the Regional Performing Arts grant program.
Grants for WA schools to promote and advance reconciliation.
The Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program encourages WA schools to develop projects promoting and advancing reconciliation in their local community. By supporting projects that enhance the education and understanding of Aboriginal cultures, achievements and histories in the classroom, we gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and diversity of Aboriginal people, which is key to recognising our shared histories and unified futures.
The PALS program objectives are:
One-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues.
As part of the $67 million Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package, the $1.3 million Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program provides a one-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues (i.e. independent performing art venues, theatres cinemas, and live music venues) that have been impacted by capacity constraints introduced to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Supporting touring performing arts shows to regional and remote Western Australia.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to Playing WA can now apply to the Regional Performing Arts grant program.
Funding to support a 3-year program touring WA-produced performing arts shows to regional and remote towns and communities in Western Australia.
Up to $400,000 for touring programs delivered across 3 years that align with 2 or more of the following objectives:
The Regional Performing Arts grant program is available for one-off touring programs.
Assists Western Australian playwrights to partner with established producers in commissioning new theatre scripts that tell Western Australian stories. The program offers grants for applications up to $30,000.
Playwrights are asked to develop proposals in partnership with a producing partner who will commission the work and submit the application. The producing partner must demonstrate the commitment and capacity to develop the commissioned work into a fully professional production within a reasonable timeframe. The producing partner is expected to match funding on a dollar for dollar basis. This may include in-kind support.
The program aims to improve access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences for regional audiences, and increase the capacity of public galleries to receive touring exhibitions.
Your application must align with the primary objective and the supporting objectives.
Funding for projects that support the development of Aboriginal artists and the Aboriginal arts and cultural sector in regional Western Australia.
For Aboriginal arts and cultural projects in regional and remote WA that align with one or more of the following objectives:
The Regional and Remote Festivals Fund supports arts and cultural activity at regional and remote festivals in Western Australia.
This program is closed. Previous applicants to Regional and Remote Festivals Fund can apply to the Arts Activities in Regional Communities grant program when it is open.
Funding to support the expansion of annual programs delivered by arts venues in regional Western Australia over a 3-year period.
The primary objective of the Regional Arts Venues Support program is to support the development of regional arts venues by enhancing their reach and engagement.
Supporting objectives:
The Major Performing Arts companies play a vital role in the development of artists and audiences, as well as being a large employer of artists and arts professionals in Western Australia.
Major Performing Arts companies
‘Showcase’ profiles the creativity, skill and talent of artists and arts organisations in Western Australia through media, social media platforms and outdoor screens across the city.
For enquiries relating to the grant programs, including advice or assistance with your application, contact a grants officer:
Email a grants officer
For help to use the portal or for technical issues, email the Online Grants Support Team.
The department is committed to supporting applicants with disability. Information can be provided in alternative formats (large print, electronic or Braille) upon request.If you require special assistance in preparing your application, please call 61 8 6552 7400 or toll free for regional WA callers on 1800 634 541.Family, friends, mentors and/or carers can attend meetings with you.If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through one of the following:
For interpreting assistance in languages other than English, telephone the Translation and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
Toll free (country WA callers only) 1800 634 541