Welcome to your dedicated hub for key information and resources related to First Nations individual artists in NSW.
We warmly welcome First Nations artists to this space, designed to support your creative journey and celebrate your cultural heritage. Here, you will find resources to help you access funding opportunities, understand cultural protocols, and stay informed about the latest developments in the NSW Creative Industries.
This hub is a comprehensive reference, connecting you to funding programs, collaboration opportunities, and cultural guidelines.
Explore the sections below to find key contacts, FAQs, user guides, opportunities, and cultural protocols. We hope you find this hub useful and empowering as you continue to enrich the cultural landscape of New South Wales.
Funding and Opportunities for First Nations Individuals
This section provides an overview of the various funding options and opportunities available to First Nations individuals. Each funding program is designed to support different aspects of your creative journey, from project development to professional growth.
These funding opportunities are designed to empower First Nations individuals by providing the financial support needed to advance their artistic careers and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of New South Wales.
Creative Nations - Project Funding
Dedicated funding opportunity supporting First Nations artists with project grants up to $100,000.
Open until 30 April 2025
Next Steps - Professional Development
Funding up to $10,000 for professional development for individual artists, arts and cultural workers to enable participation in skills development opportunities, workshops, courses and creative sector conferences and networking events.
Open until 30 April 2025
Creative Steps - Project Funding
Funding up to $100,000 to support creative development and presentation of new work by individual artists, arts and cultural workers.
Open until 30 April 2025
Cultural Access - Project Funding
Funding up to $100,000 to support individuals and organisations led by and/or supporting specific communities to develop and deliver a diverse range of arts and cultural experiences for artists, arts workers, communities, and audiences.
Open until 30 April 2025
Application Support Resources
This section provides essential resources to support your application process and ensure you have all the information needed to successfully apply for funding and opportunities.
These resources are designed to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to successfully apply for funding and advance your artistic and cultural projects.
First Nations and Cultural Resources
Creative Communities - the NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy
Creative Communities is the state’s Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy, recognising the unique place of the sector in NSW.
Creative Communities is an inclusive policy that puts culture, arts, and the creative industries at the heart of NSW. It provides a framework for the next 10 years that supports artists, creatives and cultural organisations and expands to include the rapidly growing creative industries.
Read more on the NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy.
Image: Chanika De Silva in Vox Theatre’s Silenced. Photo: Natalie Low

Silenced, Vox Theatre Photo: Natalie Low.
Contact Us
Create NSW Arts Funding support and contact
Create NSW is committed to inclusion and diversity and continues to apply practices that facilitate ease-of access to applicants wishing to apply.