2026 Creative Grants Program

About the Creative Grants Program

Council’s annual Creative Grants Program provides funding for local artists, creative practitioners, groups of artists, and arts organisations. Funding may support activities or projects that deliver:

• the production and presentation of new creative work
• opportunities for communities and audiences to participate in arts and cultural activities, including exhibitions, performances, events, programs, and collaborations
• professional development and skill-building for local arts practitioners across all disciplines
• strengthened capacity and sustainability for the creative industries in the North Sydney region

Final grant decisions will be made at the end of May 2026. All applicants will be notified of outcomes by email by early August.

Grant applications for 2026 open on 30 March and close on 30 April.

Objectives of the Creative Grants Program

• Contribute to the development and sustainability of artists and creative industries in the North Sydney region
• Increase community connection through arts and culture by providing opportunities to participate in affordable, accessible creative activities in the public domain
• Enliven public spaces, encourage vibrant street life, and attract visitors to North Sydney
• Promote creative excellence and innovation in arts projects and programs

Available Funding and Grant Categories

The 2026 Creative Grants Program has two categories. Applicants may apply for one category only.

Category One: Creative Grants (Professional Development - Individual)

Grants of up to $2,500 are available for emerging, mid‑career, and established arts practitioners who live or work in the North Sydney Local Government Area. Funding supports professional development activities that advance the applicant’s practice.

Professional development may include (but is not limited to):

• participation in a residency program 
• masterclass and skills training with clear outcomes 
• attendance at major cultural events or conferences
• investment in materials or studio equipment for the creation of new work
• formal mentoring

Support is available across a range of arts disciplines. Activities must be completed between 1 August 2026 and 31 August 2027.

Category Two: Creative Grants (Projects & Programs - Individual, Group, Organisation)

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to individual practitioners, groups, or organisations for the production and presentation of creative projects and/or public programs that benefit the North Sydney community.

Support is available across a range of arts disciplines. Projects must be completed between 1 August 2026 and 31 August 2027.

Council may provide fee waivers for the hire of Council facilities for funded projects. Applicants are encouraged to contact an Arts & Culture Officer before submitting an application to discuss venue suitability.

Who can apply

Eligibility for Creative Grants – Professional Development: 

• This category is open to individual arts practitioners who live or work in the North Sydney Local Government Area 

Eligibility for Creative Grants - Projects & Programs: 

• This category is open to individual art practitioners, arts groups collectives or organisations from the Greater Sydney Region, however the creative project must demonstrate a tangible benefit to the North Sydney community.  

Ineligible applicants include: 

• Schools  

• State or local government organisations  

• Political parties or political activities  

• Applicants that have outstanding acquittals for previous grants from North Sydney Council  

• Current employees of North Sydney Council  

• Applicants employed by North Sydney Council within the last six months  

General applicant and funding exclusions:  

• Activities that have already occurred (no retrospective funding)  

• Funding for international travel 

• Recovery of costs of items and materials already purchased  

• Projects already funded by North Sydney Council’s Grants Programs  

• Fundraising, awards, competitions or prize money  

• Infrastructure projects that require development consent  

• Capital works, maintenance or improvements  

• Multiple applicants submitting applications for the same project  

• Day to day office supplies, insurance, rent, utilities or ongoing wages unrelated to the project or activity  

• Funding for normal operation of regular activations such as gatherings, markets, or sport 

How to apply

Apply now

• Before applying please check if your organisation and project is eligible to receive funding.
• Read our Community Grants and Subsidies Policy.
• Submit your application using the online application form. Hard copy application forms are not accepted.
• Include your project proposal, budget information and supporting documents.

Grant applications for 2026 open on March 30 and close April 30. 

Assessment and Selection Process

All applications will be considered by a panel comprising two members of the the Arts & Culture, Events and Library team and one industry professional.

Applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and the selection criteria below:

Category one : Creative Grants (Professional Skill Development)

Category two: Creative Grants (Projects & Programs)

Final recommendations

A report from the panel with recommendations will be made for consideration and final approval.

Notification

Applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of their application.

Funding agreements

Successful applicants will be offered a funding agreement confirming the conditions of the grant. The funding agreement will include:

• A brief description of the project for which funding is being provided
• The amount of cash funding to be received
• Performance measures for each project
• The deadline for final submission of the acquittal report

Tips for preparing your application

Before you write your application

• Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria by reviewing the overview and guidelines.
• Ensure your project or activity aligns with the grant program’s aims.
• Category One (Professional Development) and Category Two (Creative Projects) have different focus areas and eligibility. Check that you are applying for the correct grant category for your project or activity.

When answering the application questions

• Read the question and answer in clear, plain language. 
• Ask someone unconnected to your application to check your application for errors and offer feedback.
• Give yourself plenty of time to write, review and refine your application.

General questions to consider when completing your application

Have you clearly described your idea? The assessment panel wants to know what intend to do, what you want to achieve, and what is interesting about your idea.

Have you clearly told us why the project is important? We want to know what the benefits will be, who will benefit and how.

Have you clearly demonstrated your ability to deliver? Choose examples of projects or activities in similar scale. We want to know that you or your organisation has the capacity to complete the project or activity, measure the outcomes and assess the risks.

Supporting documentation

Applicants will need to provide supporting documentation, and these documents will need to be uploaded to the SmartyGrants software with your application/ Supporting documents include:

• Quotes for any budget items over the value of $500
• Evidence of confirmation from project or activity partners (for example letters or emails)
• Examples of previous projects or work including the ability to add online links, images or PDF document
• CV/s of applicant and other key collaborators
• Proof of public indemnity insurance (or confirmation of willingness to obtain this)
• Working with Children check for projects or activities involving minors (or confirmation of willingness to obtain this)

Budget and financial

Your budget must identify the amount requested, including project income and expenditure. Indicative quotes need to be included for any items over the value of $500.

If the total cost of your proposed project exceeds the grant amount, please identify in the budget which specific parts of your project you are seeking Council support for.  

Costs you should consider including to ensure your project or activity is a success and your budget is realistic:

• Artist fees*
• Fees for other arts workers involved in the project or activity*
• Renting or hiring of space for workshops, rehearsals, shows, exhibition or presentation spaces
• Travel and accommodation costs related to a professional development activity  
• Fees for development opportunities, mentorships, workshops, and courses  
• Costs to support Aboriginal protocols
• Costs to support accessibility
• Additional marketing

Project income includes contributions in kind or other funding sources.

*We recommend NAVA Payment Standards for artist and arts worker fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to commonly asked questions we have received this grant round.

I do not live in North Sydney can I still apply?

If you wish to apply for Category one: Creative Grants (Professional development) you must live or work in the North Sydney local government area.

If you wish to apply for Category two: Creative Grants (Projects & Programs) anyone can apply, however the creative project must show a tangible benefit to the North Sydney community. This usually means the project must occur in the North Sydney local government area.

What is considered a professional development activity?

Professional and/or skills development are typically considered opportunities that advance the practitioner's career. These activities might include attending workshops or masterclasses, conferences, residencies, mentoring; presentation or creation of new work.

What sort of creative activities are preferred? 

Applications will be considered for creative practices in any discipline.

What Council venues can be used? Do you have purpose-built theatre, music, performance venues, or exhibition venues?

Council operates a variety of spaces that may be suitable for use, depending on the project or activity. It is up to the applicant to ascertain whether the venue is suitable for the activity. View Council venues including the Coal Loader.

North Sydney Council does not currently operate purpose built theatre, music, performance or exhibition venues. To find out about non-Council operated spaces visit our Community Directory.

What in-kind support can Council provide?

Support can include: waiver of venue hire fees, and some digital marketing and promotion. Council will not provide event staff, exhibition invigilation, other staffing, other support or access to our volunteer register. This is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included in your budget.

I am proposing a performance, does it have to be free or can I sell tickets?

There is no preference for free performances or events. If applicable, anticipated ticket sales should be included in your budget income.

Do I need to be a not-for-profit organisation to apply?

No. The relevant question on the Creative Grants – Projects & Programs form is only applicable to not-for-profit organisations. 

What should I include in my budget?

We recommend reviewing the NAVA factsheet.

Previous successful creative grants

Sylvia Griffin - 2024 Creative Grant recipient

Music Box Project - 2024 Creative Grant recipient