Festivals Australia supports community participation in, and access to, the arts and aims to support partnerships and collaboration across the sector.

Who can apply

Regional artists, arts workers, and organisations can apply for arts and cultural projects that encourage community participation and audience engagement from people living in regional and remote communities in a festival or community celebration.

When to apply

Festivals Australia closed on 4 October 2023 and applications are currently being assessed. The next funding round is expected to open in February 2024 for projects starting from 1 July 2024.

 

Funding available

The Australian Government provides approximately $1.4 million each financial year through this program.

    About the program

    Please note: 
    Festivals Australia funds high-quality arts projects that invite community participation and audience engagement in regional and remote Australia. Projects can include but are not limited to a parade, performance, workshop, installation or exhibition. 

    The aim is to give people the chance to participate in or attend an arts experience at a festival, or a significant one-off community celebration.

    Festivals Australia will only fund a single project (not a range of unrelated activities) delivered at a festival or significant one-off community celebration in a regional or remote location.

    Please note:
    Classification Codes for regional and remote areas have recently been updated.

    Changes apply to a range of areas, including:
    NSW: Cessnock, Kiama, Googong, Stanwell Tops, Murwillumbah, Wallacia, Mulgoa, and Wallalong. VIC: Whittlesea, Eynesbury, Tooradin and Hopetoun Park. QLD: Jimboomba, Yandina, Cooroibah, Glenview and Jacobs Well. SA: Mount Barker, Nairne, Hahndorf and Virginia.

    If your proposed activity will take place in any of the above areas, or if you are unsure of your current Classification Code, please contact us on 1800 590 577 or at Festivals@arts.gov.au

    All applications are assessed with the assistance of independent assessors.

    Program documentation

    Festivals Australia program documentation, including program guidelines and frequently asked questions, are available on the GrantConnect website at https://www.grants.gov.au.

    After you register simply click on 'Grant Opportunity' to be directed to the appropriate page.

    Festivals Australia video case studies

    Our video case studies show the quality and variety of community projects which have been funded through the Festivals Australia program.

    Program logos

    The Festivals Australia logo is used to acknowledge Australian Government support for projects funded under Festivals Australia.

    Contact

    Festivals Australia
    Phone: 1800 590 577
    Email: Festivals@arts.gov.au