The ILA program supports the expression, conservation and maintenance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through languages and arts activities around Australia.

A group of people on a beach showcasing vibrant puppetry that features First Nations designs.
Image credit: Landi Bradshaw Photography, The Big Country Puppets with the Balanggara Rangers in Wyndham, WA

Applications for the 2026–27 open competitive grant opportunity are now open until 16 March 2026.

Eligible projects include those that conserve, revitalise and sustain Indigenous languages through:

  • Supporting the use of spoken language in everyday life by facilitating language transmission and practise through culturally appropriate learning and teaching activities.
  • Supporting community members to improve their language knowledge, skills, build capacity and career pathways in the sector by providing language learning, teaching and skills development opportunities.
  • Recording, conserving and making Indigenous languages available using digital technology in an innovative and culturally appropriate way.
  • Supporting community to enjoy, learn, speak and teach their languages by providing access to language materials for use in activities that will facilitate the transmission of language.

And create, promote and celebrate Indigenous community-based arts activities by:

  • Developing, producing, presenting, exhibiting or performing a diverse range of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art forms which could include dance, theatre, film, literature, music and traditional Indigenous arts and crafts.
  • Promoting and celebrating Indigenous art forms and providing access to arts activities that enable community to enjoy, connect and take pride in their cultures.

The ILA program will invest over $47 million in 2026–27 for Indigenous languages and arts projects.

Find out more about the ILA program.

Apply now at GrantConnect.

Applications close at 11.30 pm (AEDT) on 16 March 2026.