Creative Nations FAQs

Creative Nations supports First Nations artists, cultural workers, organisations and communities through arts and cultural projects that sustain and strengthen First Nations arts and culture in NSW.

The program can support projects that:

• create and present new First Nations work
• provide employment and professional development opportunities
• invest in First Nations-led organisations
• support cultural leadership
• enable truth-telling and the sharing of stories
• support community wellbeing and economic development
• strengthen cultural centres, collections, archives and keeping places.

The program focuses on First Nations-led arts and cultural activity that is grounded in community, culture and connection.

Eligible applicants include:

• First Nations individuals aged 18 or over who have lived in NSW for at least 12 months
• First Nations unincorporated groups
• First Nations-led organisations operating in NSW for at least 12 months.

Yes. Individual applicants must:

• be First Nations
• be 18 or older
• have lived in NSW for at least 12 months
• have an ABN, or work with a funds administrator if successful.

Yes. Unincorporated groups can apply if:

• the applicant is First Nations and 18 or older
• the majority of members have lived in NSW for the past 12 months
• the group has a written and signed agreement
• the group applies through a lead applicant with an ABN or funds administrator.

Yes. Organisations with legal status can apply if they are First Nations-led and have been operating in NSW for at least 12 months. The person applying must be authorised to act on behalf of the organisation.

Yes. By the time of contracting, successful applicants must have an active ABN and nominated bank account or use a funds administrator.

No. You can only submit one application across the current Project Funding round programs. If you submit more than one, you may be asked to choose one for assessment.

You can also be included as a group member in another application as long as you are not the lead applicant.  

No. If you were successful in the previous Creative Nations round, you cannot apply or be successful in this round.

• Individuals and groups: $10,000 to $75,000
• Organisations: $20,000 to $100,000.

Yes. Create NSW does not fund 100% of project costs. Applicants must contribute at least 5% through cash or in-kind support.

Applications open on 13 April 2026 and close on 25 May 2026 at 2:00 pm.

Create NSW is unable to offer extensions to the published application period. Applications will close at 2pm on Monday, 25 May 2026. Applicants are advised to submit their applications ahead of the round closing to avoid any last-minute issues.

If troubleshooting or general assistance is required please contact arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au

Projects must:

• start after 1 September 2026
• finish by 31 December 2027.

No, there is only one round of Project funding planned for 2026. If you are planning a project that is taking place in 2027 you should apply for this current round.

Upcoming rounds will be published on the Funding Calendar when confirmed. 

No. Projects that have already started, or where project costs have already been paid, are not eligible.

Creative Nations can support:

• First Nations arts and cultural projects
• sharing the stories and knowledge of Elders
• projects that improve access, including for people with disability
• collections and archives at First Nations cultural centres or keeping places
• cultural festivals and events
• cultural gatherings and forums
• artistic or professional development linked to the project
• marketing and promotion to reach more people.

Eligible costs can include:

• artist and arts/cultural worker fees at appropriate industry rates
• venue or space hire
• travel and accommodation
• mentorships, workshops and development opportunities linked to the project
• administrative costs directly related to managing the grant
• marketing and promotion
• materials
• First Nations protocols and ICIP costs
• accessibility supports.

Yes. Events or activities receiving Create NSW funding must pay musicians at least $250 for a three-hour call.

The program does not support:

• course-related activity
• projects led by people who are not professional artists, cultural workers or creatives
• retrospective costs or paying back money already spent
• equipment not directly used in the project
• capital works or infrastructure
• fundraising, donations, awards or prizes
• loan repayments.

No. Screen activity that belongs under Screen NSW is not supported.

No. Contemporary music activity that belongs under Sound NSW is not supported.

No. Government departments, schools and some other publicly funded entities are not eligible.

Applications are assessed by the First Nations Artform Board, which makes recommendations for approval by the Minister for the Arts.

No – applications from individuals and groups will be assessed separately from organisations.

Applications are assessed against six criteria:

1. Connection to Country
2. Idea
3. Diversity and Participation
4. Experience
5. Planning
6. Sustainability.

You need to explain:

• where the project will take place
• why that place is meaningful
• how the project creates a meaningful connection to Country
• how First Nations identity is expressed
• how protocols and ICIP will be respected and protected.

This is where you explain:

• what you want to do
• the aims and purpose of the project
• what makes the idea important
• what you want to communicate to artists, communities or audiences.

This looks at:

• who the project is relevant to
• who will benefit
• how it reflects the diversity of First Nations people in NSW
• what outcomes you want to see at the end of the project
• whether it also benefits other Strategic Priority Areas, where relevant.

This looks at:

• who is involved
• the cultural, artistic or community experience they bring
• what skills and expertise will support strong outcomes
• how the people involved will help strengthen careers, skills and opportunities.

This looks at:

• the project activities and timeline
• whether the activities are the right ones to achieve the outcomes
• whether the sequencing and timing are realistic
• whether the plan clearly supports successful delivery.

This looks at:

• how the funding will be spent
• whether the budget is realistic and efficient
• what other income sources support the project
• whether protocol, ICIP and accessibility costs have been included
• whether budget notes clearly explain key expenses.

A strong application is clear, specific and well planned. It should show alignment with the program objectives and should include relevant support material, realistic activities and outcomes, and a reasonable budget that matches the written proposal.

When writing your application you may wish to consider the following:

• Ensure the rationale for your proposal is appropriate to the funding round and that your project sits within the eligibility criteria.
• Consider how your proposal aligns with the Program Objective and clearly addresses the relevant assessment criteria.
• Ensure each response directly addresses the question being asked.  and clearly responds to the specific criteria assessed in that section.
• Use plain English and avoid flowery language and jargon. If you are using AI to help draft your application ensure that you retain your voice and that the responses are clear, concise and specific to your project.
• Substantiate your claims with clear examples, evidence, and relevant support material.
• Confirm that your timeline, budget, and proposed activities are consistent, realistic, and aligned.
• Be specific about the activities you will undertake as well as the expected outcomes.
• Avoid assuming prior knowledge of your work and ensure your application clearly explains your proposal without leaving gaps for interpretation.
• Remember that applications are assessed by the Artform Boards. More information on the Artform Boards, including definitions for each Board, and the members' biographies can be found here.

Additional tips and tricks:

• Having a third party look over your application before it is submitted can be helpful to see the application from a fresh perspective.
• Consider your proposal through the eyes of an assessor who may not be familiar with your past work; ensuring that the rationale and projected outcomes are easily understood.

Your application must include:

• a completed online application form
• work samples, up to 25MB, as PDF or links
• letters of invitation, collaboration or partnership, where relevant
• outcome information, including locations and estimated audience or employment numbers, where relevant.

Yes. Applicants must clearly confirm that they meet all eligibility requirements. Applications that do not fully address eligibility may be excluded.

Yes. Applicants may be asked for additional information such as:

• a Connection to Country statement
• letters from First Nations peers or community groups
• further details about protocols and ICIP
• a more detailed budget.

Assessors said stronger applications:

• clearly fit the artform definition
• explained the context of where the idea came from
• used simple language and avoided jargon
• gave a strong, clear pitch for the project
• clearly outlined how target communities would be engaged
• explained how protocols and ICIP would be followed
• showed how the project actively promoted and protected First Nations cultural practices, voices and perspectives
• gave concise information about the artists and collaborators involved
• explained the applicant’s relationship to place
• described the activities that would help people connect to the project
• included budget notes explaining larger costs
• clearly showed artist fees, accessibility costs and protocol costs
• made sure all weblinks worked and were easy to access.

To strengthen the Idea section:

• explain where the idea came from
• describe the purpose in plain language
• make the project easy to understand, even for someone who does not know you or your work
• write a strong, short pitch that quickly explains why the project matters.

Make sure you:

• clearly describe who the project is for
• outline the practical steps you will take to engage communities
• explain how the project benefits First Nations artists, cultural workers, communities or audiences
• show how cultural advocacy is built into the project, including how it supports First Nations cultural identity and visibility
• explain protocols and ICIP clearly if First Nations communities, artists, stories or cultural material are involved.

Keep this section concise but specific. Do not assume the board already knows the artists, community members or partners involved. Briefly explain:

• who they are
• what relevant experience they bring
• why they are the right people for this project.

Be specific about:

• why this place matters to the project
• how the location reflects your relationship to place
• how the project respects distinct First Nations connections to Country
• what activities will help people connect meaningfully to the place and project.

A stronger budget:

• includes detailed notes for larger amounts
• clearly shows how artist and cultural worker fees were calculated
• includes protocol, ICIP and accessibility costs where needed
• explains how the project will be accessible
• lists all income sources, not just the Create NSW request.

Support material should be:

• relevant to the project
• easy to open and review
• limited to what assessors need to understand the strength of the work
• checked carefully so that all links work properly.

Before you start

We encourage you to review the eligibility and assessment criteria before starting your application. This will help you understand the requirements of the program and determine whether your project is suitable.

Accessing SmartyGrants

• If you are a new user, you will need to register and create a password before starting your application.
• If you are already registered, you can log in using your existing username and password.

Viewing the application form

Please note that SmartyGrants uses conditional logic. This means:

• You are unable to view all sections of the application when you first begin.
• Additional pages and questions will become visible as you complete earlier sections and depending on your responses.

Yes. Applicants can request:

• a Word version of the application form
• support to dictate or translate responses
• the option to answer the application questions using audio or video
• support through the National Relay Service.

Yes. Applicants can book a pre-application support meeting with Create NSW First Nations staff for general guidance. Last round feedback also encouraged applicants to use available support resources before applying.

No. Staff can provide general information on the guidelines, but they cannot provide feedback on draft applications.

You can contact Create NSW First Nations staff by:

• email: firstnations@create.nsw.gov.au
• phone: (02) 9228 4578

After submission:

• Create NSW checks eligibility
• the First Nations Artform Board scores applications
• scores are discussed and recommendations are finalised
• Create NSW consolidates recommendations
• final decisions are approved by the Minister for the Arts.

Outcomes are expected in August 2026.

Successful applicants will receive a funding agreement. They must acknowledge Create NSW support and complete an acquittal at the end of the funding period.

Yes. Funding is competitive, and successful applicants may receive less than the amount requested.