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The Arts Sustainability Fund is now closed.
The Arts Sustainability Fund supported the arts and entertainment sector to continue activities by providing necessary finance to plan a pathway for recovery from the effects of COVID‑19. Funding supported employment and contributed to rebuilding Australia's economy, as well as enhancing community wellbeing and access to cultural experiences across Australia.
Who could apply
Organisations that were party to, or due to enter into, a multi-year funding agreement with the Australian Government, either through the Australia Council or the Office for the Arts.
When to apply
The targeted competitive grant opportunity commenced on 31 August 2020 and closed on 31 May 2022 with all funds allocated.
Funding available
The Arts Sustainability Fund provided support between 2020–22 so that significant Commonwealth-funded performing arts and culture organisations remained solvent, provided employment, and delivered high-quality cultural and creative activities and experiences for audiences.
About the program
COVID-19 update
With the COVID-19 (or Coronavirus) pandemic affecting all of Australia's arts and cultural sector, the operations and financial stability of arts organisations have been significantly affected resulting in some organisations being at risk of insolvency.
The Arts Sustainability Fund supported the arts and entertainment sector to continue activities with funding targeted towards significant Australian Government funded arts organisations to help them remain solvent. The program assisted by providing the necessary finance to plan a pathway for recovery from the effects of COVID-19. This supported the employment of workers and contributed to rebuilding Australia's economy, as well as enhancing community wellbeing and access to cultural experiences across Australia.
Program information
The COVID-19 Arts Sustainability Fund provided support between 2020–22 to organisations funded by the Australian Government, through the Office for the Arts and the Australia Council. Operational funding was provided to these organisations as key employers of Australian artists and art workers, the training ground of Australia's upcoming performing artists and leading presenters of high-quality work to audiences across Australia.
Funding application period: The Fund opened on 31 August 2020 and closed on 31 May 2022, with all funds allocated.
Program logos
The COVID-19 Arts Sustainability Fund logos are used to acknowledge Australian Government support for activities funded through the Fund.
Contact
Phone: 02 6271 7695
Email: SustainabilityFund@arts.gov.au
More information
Who we've funded
Funding programs
Latest news
Getting the band together, but who pays their super?
Updated advice from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on who pays super to workers in the music industry.
Sharing the National Collection hits 2 million visitor milestone
The Sharing the National Collection program enables galleries around the country to borrow works from the national collection for long-term display.
Australia's cultural and creative activity continues to grow
New figures show cultural and creative activity contributed $70.3 billion to Australia's economy in 2024–25.
Finding inspiration in the everyday with Steven Carroll
Australian author Steven Carroll talks about his sources of inspiration and lending rights.
Have your say
A new National Cultural Policy
Between 23 March 2026 and 24 May 2026, Australians were invited to share their views and help guide the next National Cultural Policy. Public submissions are being uploaded to this page as they're being reviewed by us. Read the public submissions.
Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program
We invited feedback on the development of the new Arts and Screen Employment Pathways Pilot Program to support d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers. This consultation is closed.
Review of the Indigenous Art Code
A review of the Indigenous Art Code to strengthen the protections for Indigenous artists and consumers across the country. This consultation is closed.
Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place
After extensive national consultation, in 2023 we delivered a 5 year national cultural policy, Revive—A place for everyone story, a story for every place.
Latest consultations
Review of the Indigenous Art Code
A review of the Indigenous Art Code to strengthen the protections for Indigenous artists and consumers across the country. This consultation is closed.
National Opera Review
The Australian Government has released a full response to the recommendations of the National Opera Review final report, which examined the artistic vibrancy, financial viability and accessibility of Australia’s major opera companies.
Funding programs
What's new
Getting the band together, but who pays their super?
Updated advice from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on who pays super to workers in the music industry.
A new page for Lending Rights
New legislation for the Lending Rights schemes commenced on 1 October 2026.
Sharing the National Collection hits 2 million visitor milestone
The Sharing the National Collection program enables galleries around the country to borrow works from the national collection for long-term display.
Australia's cultural and creative activity continues to grow
New figures show cultural and creative activity contributed $70.3 billion to Australia's economy in 2024–25.
Support programs
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Australian arts go global including to the Paralympic Games
The Government is continuing to help showcase the best of the Australian arts scene to the world with funding for four projects.
Heritage bagpipes marching to Mackay
A rare set of bagpipes which accompanied Australian soldiers on the Western Front in the First World War have recently been returned to Australia after over a century overseas.
First Nations ancestors return home from Aotearoa New Zealand
A cultural ceremony was held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum to acknowledge the return of six ancestors.
Apply now to help protect First Nations arts and culture
Applications are now open for a First Nations expert working group.
Global launch of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032
Australian Government representatives marked the occasion at a special event in Paris.
Resale Royalties Scheme hits $15 million milestone
Almost 3,000 artists have benefitted from the Scheme since 2010.
National art treasures head to Tasmania and South Australia
Sharing the National Collection loans have now been announced for all states and territories outside the ACT.
Revive Live: supporting Australian live music
Applications are now open for the Australian Government’s new $8.6 million program.
Close to $10 million for First Nations languages and arts projects
A total of 51 projects will share in the funding.
Conserving and revitalising Indigenous cultural expression
A new digital project is helping to conserve and revitalise the Northern Territory’s Martay Burarra culture and language.
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National Opera Review - Final Report Appendix
Published: 25 Oct 2016 Sections of the Discussion Paper. These documents have not been produced by us and may not meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements. Please contact us at publishing@communications.gov.au to obtain alternative copies. …
PublicationWriters to be fairly compensated
Australian authors, illustrators and publishers to be recompensed for their e-books and audiobooks being held in Australian libraries. 21 Mar 2023 A woman reads an e-book on a couch As announced under the Australia Government’s new National Cultural …
NewsRekindling program reconnects First Nations youth
A flagship dance and language program is reconnecting First Nations youth with their culture. 22 Mar 2023 ‘In learning about your culture you learn more about yourself’ – a participant sums up how the Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Rekindling program it is …
NewsART/works
ART/works provides subscribers with the latest news on funding opportunities, industry research and sector updates. Sent to your inbox as major news breaks, ART/works keeps you up-to-date with what's happening in Australia's cultural and creative sector, …
PageResearch confirms importance of live music workers
Our research highlights the diverse occupations of live music workers and their contribution to Australia’s social and cultural fabric. 27 Mar 2023 The contribution of live music to our creative economy has been confirmed following the release of the …
NewsLive gigs back in the spotlight
Program provides support for venue-based music 29 Mar 2023 $2.5 million in targeted funding is available under Round Six of the Live Music Australia Program. The funding will assist live music venues as they rebuild following the impacts of the pandemic, …
NewsNational Opera Review - Final Report
Published: 25 Oct 2016 The National Opera Review was asked, under its Terms of Reference, to make recommendations aimed at promoting the financial viability, artistic vibrancy and accessibility of Australia’s four Major Opera Companies, namely Opera …
PublicationELR Policies and Procedures 2023
Published: 31 Mar 2023 ELR Policies and Procedures 2023 (Word) (DOCX, 153.92 KB) ELR Policies and Procedures 2023 (PDF) (PDF, 344.27 …
PublicationTrove funding secured in 2023-24 Federal Budget
The Australian Government will commit $33 million in funding over four years in the coming Budget, preserving Australia’s most significant cultural and historical resource. 4 Apr 2023 Photo: Damian McDonald Australia’s most important collection of digital …
NewsRare Canadian cultural objects dating back to 19th Century to return home
Museums Victoria will repatriate 6 highly significant cultural items back to their Indigenous community in Canada with the assistance of the Australian Government. 3 Apr 2023 (clockwise from top left: smoking pipe, ornate cloak, pouch, leggings, broach, …
NewsFunding and support program archive
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