Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund

The RISE Fund was established to support the arts and entertainment sector to reactivate. The program targets funding towards arts and entertainment sector organisations to assist in the presentation of cultural and creative projects, activities and events to rebuild confidence amongst investors, producers and consumers. Projects that target audiences in outer metropolitan, regional and remote areas are taken into account, as well as projects that involve tours and used local regional pre-production and production, services and support acts.

How it works

Who can apply?

Organisations with the primary purpose of the arts and entertainment that can demonstrate that in the absence of this funding, their activity would have been substantially less likely to proceed due to a constrained availability of finance as a consequence of COVID-19.

When to apply?

Program opening and closing dates will be published on this website. Applicants are encouraged to submit their projects for consideration in accordance with the RISE fund guidelines when the program opens.

Funding available

The RISE Fund provided $200 million over 2020–21 and 2021–22. An additional $20 million is available in 2022-23. Funding decisions consider a balance across art forms and types of activity, geographic and community diversity, and generation of jobs.

Program Information

funding tabs

About The Program

The opening and closing dates for the RISE Fund will be published on this website.

If you have any questions please contact the RISE Fund at: RISE@arts.gov.au or call 02 6271 7971.

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 impacted.

The RISE Fund supports artists and organisations affected by COVID-19 through funding the delivery and presentation of activities across all art forms to audiences across Australia. Projects that target audiences in outer metropolitan, regional and remote areas are taken into account, as well as projects that involve tours and use local regional pre-production and production, services and support acts.

Activities funded by RISE contribute to the organisation's financial viability, create jobs, and support for Australian artists or performers and their work. They provide experiences to audiences, and are of a nature that was likely to be popular with Australian audiences.

Up to date information about COVID-19 and how it relates to the arts sector, can be found on the COVID-19 update page.

Program information

The RISE Fund has already invested $200 million over two years as part of the Australian Government's Arts and Cultural Development Program that supports participation in, and access to, Australia's arts and culture through developing and supporting cultural expression. An additional $20 million is now available in 2022-23.

Funding application period: Opening and closing dates for the final Batch of RISE will be published on this website.

Program documentation

The guidelines included eligibility criteria and information about the application and funding process. The guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be accessed at the Australian Government's GrantConnect website.