The Territory’s creative industries are set to thrive with a $7.1 million grants program announced for NT artists, not-for-profit arts organisations and the community.

This includes support for leading arts organisations and venues; strategic initiatives and partnerships; and competitive funding rounds.

The first funding opportunities, which are now open for applications, include:

• Quick Response grants of up to $1,000 to access arts and cultural opportunities at short notice;  
• Creative Communities grants of up to $5,000 to activate community participation and access to arts and cultural opportunities across all regions; and
• Professional Development grants of up to $2,000 per financial year to support artists and arts workers to access professional development.

These grants are available until expended, with applications to be submitted at grantsnt.nt.gov.au

The new program includes two Arts Projects rounds, one which is currently open, and the second to be released on 7 February 2022.

Arts Projects grants support:

• research, development or creation of new art works;
• projects that present, exhibit, distribute or promote NT arts practice;
• the development of artist and arts worker skills, knowledge and experience;
• emerging artists to develop new work, showcase or upskill; and
• artists and arts workers to create digital content, develop digital production skills and explore new ways to reach and engage audiences.

Up to $20,000 is available for projects to support presentation and promotion, skills and arts development, with up to $15,000 per application to support applications from emerging artists.  Up to $10,000 is available to support the innovative use of technology to reach and engage audiences and develop online communities.

For the first time, up to $10,000 will be available to support structured career development for early career artists and arts workers aged 18 to 25 years through professional arts practice placements with arts organisations. Applications open on 4 October 2021.

Creative Fellowships and Arts Residencies grants open on 13 September, with $40,000 per fellowship available for established artists; and up to $20,000 for early and mid-career artists taking up arts residencies.

Regional Museums Support grants, opening on 20 September, will provide up to $50,000 for regional museums, keeping places, and community art galleries to support the preservation, collection, and display of the NT’s unique cultural heritage.

Arts Industry Development grants, opening on 31 January 2022, provide up to $25,000 towards succession planning for future arts and cultural leaders in contemporary organisational practice; and up to $30,000 for funding to increase access to the arts for artists and audiences with disability.

To find out about all funding opportunities view the 2021-22 Arts and Culture Grants Program Guidelines online at https://nt.gov.au/artsgrants

Quotes attributable to Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech:

“This investment will support a range of arts and cultural activities that will strengthen industry development and increase opportunities for participation in the arts across the Territory.

“A strong and vibrant arts and cultural sector is integral to the health and wellbeing of the Territory and our communities.

“The Territory Labor Government is keen to support the creation and presentation of artistic work across all art forms and areas of practice while the increased employment and career development opportunities for professional artists and arts workers will strengthen industry capacity and sustainability.”

Media contact: Jasmin Afianos – 0419 361 127