Creative industries funding

The department distributes grants and funding to support vibrant and sustainable arts, culture and creative industry sectors in WA.

Online grants

Funding news

A Carine High School building with a mural by Noongar artist, Mariah Yarran.

Funding brings cultural understanding to students, teachers and school communities

24 January 2025

Media release

Aboriginal cultural understanding is coming to more classrooms across WA schools, with cultural initiatives receiving support through the WA Government’s Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.

Two performers embrace as part of a live performance

Arts funding ignites creative performances across WA’s regions

15 January 2025

Media release

WA’s regions are set to host a variety of exciting and unique performing arts experiences including performances of puppetry, dance, theatre, singing and more, through WA Government culture and the arts funding.

In a darkened space a performance artist is performing

Arts to thrive with $1.9 million in funding for cultural experiences

15 January 2025

Media release

Western Australians can look forward to plenty of exciting arts and cultural activities including various exhibitions, performances, theatre shows, educational workshops and much more through WA Government culture and the arts funding.

Attendees take part in a workshop led by Sensorium Theatre

WA leading the way in Creative Learning

22 November 2024

We know that investment in children and young people’s ability to think deeply, critically and creatively is essential to developing the skills necessary to thrive today.

PALS grants bring cultural understanding to the classroom

30 October 2024

Media release

Grants totalling $88,735 that are designed to bring understanding of Aboriginal culture to Western Australian classrooms have been awarded by the WA Government through the 2024 Term 3 funding round of the Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.

Toby King and the Utility Belt book cover illustration and author Sharon Giltrow

New Chapter for WA children’s book author Sharon Giltrow

24 October 2024

Media release

Western Australian children’s book author Sharon Giltrow is back with Toby King and the Utility Belt, the second book in her middle-grade series The Utility Belt.

A man and a boy posing a dance move in a desert environment. A group of people are watching in the background.

$600,000 to boost creativity and wellbeing for young people

24 June 2024

Media release

A new program to improve creativity and wellbeing for young people across Western Australia will be trialled after the State Government approved $600,000 in funding for 8 organisations to deliver culture and the arts projects with health benefits.

Waringarri Arts Community Nights and Wirnan Performances teach young people about their culture

Funding supports successful cultural and arts alliance in Kimberley

3 November 2023

More than $1 million in additional funding over 4 years has been approved for the successful Wirnan Cultural Engagement and Learning Project involving 6 art centres in the Kimberley.

Collaborative painting on Country, Ngurra Kutjuwarra (On Country, Together), Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation, Great Sandy Desert, Western Australia 2021. Photo by Lucinda White

Applications for Community Recovery Grants Program now open

20 October 2023

The Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries is actively supporting the Community Recovery Grants Program, which is aimed at assisting communities affected by the events associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

Arts Minister David Templeman and a woman take a selfie in a crowded room

Supporting a thriving arts and culture sector in WA

18 October 2023

With the aim of ensuring a thriving cultural and creative industry, the State Government is providing organisational funding to Western Australia's peak arts and culture body, the Chamber of Arts and Culture, over the next 2 years.

2 students using magnifying glasses at the beach with the words, 'Creativity for Schools Program'

Half a million dollars to encourage creativity in our schools

2 October 2023

Media release

Using creativity to enhance the critical thinking skills of children and young people is the main aim of awarding more than half a million dollars in grants to a wide variety of creative learning projects throughout WA.

Arts projects set to shine with more than $600,000 funding

18 September 2023

Media release

The State Government is investing $609,088 in 13 diverse projects including the presentation of the New Bachelorette, a theatrical production by Julia Hales and Bron Batten.

Graphic tile with the words, 'Expression of interest'.

Peer Assessor Panel expressions of interest

8 September 2023

The Department of Sport, Local Government and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is seeking expressions of interest from people with experience in the Western Australian arts and cultural sector to assess grant applications for the culture and arts team.

A montage of a concert and a illuminated sculpture on a beach

Funding open for artists and musicians to SNAP up opportunities

11 July 2023

2 new programs are opening today for short-notice opportunities that arise for Western Australian artists or contemporary musicians.

Gaming Community Trust Grants up to $50,000

Unclaimed gambling winnings to fund worthy community projects

30 May 2023

Western Australian community projects will benefit from sharing in about $600,000 in unclaimed gambling winnings.

7 Aboriginal students holding a long sculpture in regional WA

Funding boosts creativity in schools

24 May 2023

Students throughout Western Australia will benefit from enriched learning through the arts following the allocation of $485,126 in Creativity for Schools funding for residency and collaboration projects.

Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning Grant Program. A facilitator talking to an audience with someone writing on post-it notes on a white board.

Funding enriches regional art and culture

23 May 2023

Local governments across the state are receiving support to undertake cultural planning, thanks to the latest round of culture and arts funding from the State Government.

A group of Warlayirti Artists walking on Country

Connecting to Country strengthens culture and communities

16 May 2023

20 projects throughout the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West, Goldfields-Esperance and metropolitan regions will share in $469,384 through the Connecting to Country program.

A man and a girl in a sensory exhibition

Almost one million reasons to love the arts

8 May 2023

From an Italian-Yamaji opera to intergenerational arts collaborations, a dozen regional projects will be increasing social inclusion and access to arts and culture.

2 performers performing on stage. One is playing a guitar.

Augmented reality 3D artworks part of new Arts 15k-plus funding

5 May 2023

The State Government has provided funding for 10 Western Australian arts projects through the Arts 15k-plus program for activities commencing after 1 May 2023.

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Filter funding
Open funding and opening soon
Arts Activities in Regional Communities
Arts Short Notice Activity Program
Connecting to Country
Contemporary Music Fund
Creativity for Schools
Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS)
Regional Performing Arts
Closed funding
Aboriginal Arts Commissioning Fund
Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building
Arts 15k-plus
Arts Organisations Investment Program
Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
Arts Projects for Organisations
CBD Revitalisation Grant Program
Community Participation and Inclusion Program
Community Recovery Grants Program
Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program
Creative Learning Partnerships Program
Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People
Event Suppliers Support Program
Gaming Community Trust
Getting the Show Back on the Road+
Harmony Week grants
In the House
Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning
Made in WA
Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program
Playing WA
Playing WA Multiyear
Playwright Partnership Program
Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund
Regional Aboriginal Arts Development
Regional and Remote Festivals Fund
Regional Arts Venues Support
Industry funding
Major Performing Arts companies
Showcase
Contact us
Grants officers
Online Grants portal technical support
Assistance for people with disability
Interpreting assistance
Regional applicants

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Filter funding by selecting a recipient and clicking the buttons below.

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Open funding and opening soon

Arts Activities in Regional Communities

Funding closed but opening later

Opening 2 September 2025

Funding for projects that support participation in, access to and creation of arts and culture in regional Western Australia.

For arts and cultural projects in regional WA that align with the following objectives:

Increase access to and/or participation in arts and culture in regional Western Australia.
Provide employment opportunities, skills development or/and career pathways for regional Western Australian artists and arts workers.
Encourage development of regional creative and cultural industries including cultural tourism.
Support community led activities and creative developments.
Contribute to social inclusion, wellbeing, cohesion and vibrancy in regional WA communities.

Available for

Aboriginal communities
Groups
Individuals
Organisations
Regional local governments

Categories and amounts

Creative Projects (Up to $60,000)
Creative and Cultural Planning (Up to $50,000)

Arts Activities in Regional Communities Arts Activities in Regional Communities Guidelines

Arts Short Notice Activity Program

Funding closed but opening later

Opening 8 July 2025

The Arts Short Notice Activity Program (Arts SNAP) for individuals and groups offers funding for regional, national and international short notice activities for artists and creative industry professionals.

The program supports the growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian artists and arts workers in high quality arts and cultural opportunities. Grants of up to $5000 for national and regional opportunities, and up to $10,000 for international, are available for individuals and groups.

Available for

Groups
Individuals

Categories and amounts

Regional and national opportunities (Up to $5000)
International opportunities (Up to $10,000)

Arts Short Notice Activity Program Arts Short Notice Activity Program Guidelines

Connecting to Country

Funding closed but opening later

Opening 2 September 2025

Supports projects that enable Western Australian Aboriginal people and organisations to undertake on Country activities that foster the intergenerational transfer of knowledge, preservation of culture and strengthening of communities.

The program intends to:

facilitate sharing of cultural knowledge and skills between generations, such as the preservation of language, stories and dance
recognise Aboriginal cultural leadership within the Aboriginal community and support leadership development in young people
contribute to stronger community mental health and wellbeing
strengthen, protect and maintain traditional ways of maintaining cultural knowledge.

Available for

Aboriginal communities
Community organisations
Education institutions
Groups
Individuals
Industry representative bodies
Local governments

Categories and amounts

Connecting to Country Connecting to Country guidelines

Contemporary Music Fund

Funding closed but opening later

Opening 8 July 2025

The Contemporary Music Fund (CMF) assists homegrown contemporary music artists with projects that enable them to produce and promote their work, along with building links nationally and internationally.

The program provides funding support to the WA contemporary music sector across a range of activities.

CMF Short Notice Activity Program

The Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program (CMF SNAP) is a grant program that supports short notice opportunities for individuals, bands and music industry professionals.

The program’s key focus is to capitalise on available opportunities by supporting applicants to respond to short notice, career building opportunities where the time frame is out of the applicant’s control and the activity cannot be funded under the Arts Projects for Individuals/Organisations grant programs.

Available for

Community organisations
Groups
Individuals

Categories and amounts

Professional development opportunities (Up to $5000)
International touring/showcasing opportunities (Up to $15,000)
Regional and national touring/showcasing opportunities (Up to $10,000)

Contemporary Music Fund Contemporary Music Fund Short Notice Activity Program Guidelines

Creativity for Schools

Funding round open

Closing 4:00pm 19 June 2025

This program partners schools and creatives to embed creativity into students' learning and understanding across curriculum areas.

The Creativity for Schools Program offers funding support to connect Western Australian creatives with schools.

Creativity for Schools supports activities using arts-based practice to engage students in their learning beyond arts curriculum areas. The two program categories, Collaboration and Residency, will support access, participation and overall engagement for students (K to 12) in transformative creative learning experiences. They will also develop educators to use creative pedagogy across curriculum areas and beyond.

Available for

Community organisations
Individuals
Local governments
Organisations
Not-for-profit organisations
Primary schools
Secondary schools

Categories and amounts

Residency (Grants of up to $20,000)
Collaboration (Grants of up to $60,000)

Creativity for Schools Creativity for Schools Collaboration guidelines Creativity for Schools Residency guidelines

Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS)

Funding round open

Closing 4:00pm 19 June 2025

Grants for WA schools to promote and advance reconciliation.

The Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program encourages WA schools to develop projects promoting and advancing reconciliation in their local community. By supporting projects that enhance the education and understanding of Aboriginal cultures, achievements and histories in the classroom, we gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and diversity of Aboriginal people, which is key to recognising our shared histories and unified futures.

The PALS program objectives are:

Partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people based on trust, mutual respect and understanding.
Acceptance of and respect for diversity and valuing Aboriginal perspectives.
Learning more about each other, Aboriginal histories, languages and cultures; and how we can build strong partnerships with Aboriginal people.
Sharing a common journey towards healing and reconciliation.

Available for

Primary schools
Secondary schools

Categories and amounts

Connecting to Country and Culture
Community Relationships
History
Arts
Inclusive Environments
Language

Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) guidelines

Regional Performing Arts

Funding closed but opening later

Opening 2 September 2025

Funding to support the development of new performing arts work and touring of existing performing arts work in regional Western Australia.

For the development and presentation of performing arts work in regional WA that align with 2 or more of the following objectives:

Increase the number, quality and variety of performance-based works created, produced and/or presented in regional WA.
Showcase unique Western Australian stories and enable local communities to tell and view stories that are relevant to them.
Engage new audiences and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional communities.
Establish or further develop partnerships, collaborations and/or networks between artists, producers, arts organisations, regional venues and communities.
Provide employment and/or professional skill development opportunities for regional artists and arts workers in regional WA.
Support projects that increase access and participation or presentation opportunities by, with or for Aboriginal communities and/or young people.

Available for

Groups
Individuals
Organisations
Regional local governments

Categories and amounts

Made in WA (Up to $150,000)
Playing WA (Up to $150,000)

Regional Performing Arts Regional Performing Arts Guidelines

Closed funding

Aboriginal Arts Commissioning Fund

Funding permanently closed

Providing opportunities for Aboriginal artists to share their stories through the development of new, large scale work.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to Aboriginal Arts Commission Fund can apply to the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development grant program when it is open.

Aboriginal Arts Commissioning Fund

Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building

Funding permanently closed

Providing business development support for planning and skill development in the regional Aboriginal arts and culture sector.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building can apply to the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development grant program when it is open.

Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building Grant Program

Arts 15k-plus

Funding permanently closed

The Arts 15k-plus grant program offers between $15,000 and $60,000 funding for artists, creative industry professionals and organisations to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.

The program supports the development and growth of a vibrant sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of Western Australian communities in high quality arts and cultural experiences.

Arts 15k-plus Arts 15k-plus guidelines

Arts Organisations Investment Program

Funding round closed

The Arts Organisations Investment Program is an open and competitive multiyear funding program to support Western Australia’s arts, cultural and creative sector organisations.

The Arts Organisations Investment Program aims to build strong Western Australian arts, cultural and creative sector organisations that support the vibrancy of our State and celebrates this internationally.

It invests in a portfolio of small to medium organisations that:

create and present high quality and the best of its type arts, cultural and creative experiences
create work that is original, innovative and authentic that respects cultural tradition, or promotes social awareness and cohesion
broaden and deepen community access and engagement in arts, cultural and creative experiences
reflects the diversity of the State through telling Western Australian stories
have strong connections with and presence in communities increasing the reach, depth and diversity of audience engagement
collaborate with others to create new sustainable ways of working together
leverage opportunities and funding from a range of sources and partners develop and operate in a financially, environmentally and socially sustainable way.

Arts Organisations Investment Program

Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups

Funding round closed

Offering between $5000 and $80,000 funding for artists and creative industry professionals to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.

Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups guidelines

Arts Projects for Organisations

Funding round closed

Offering between $5000 and $80,000 funding for arts and creative industry organisations to deliver a one-off project or a program of activity.

Arts Projects for Organisations Arts Projects for Organisations guidelines

CBD Revitalisation Grant Program

Funding round closed

The $4 million CBD Revitalisation Grant Program is part of a $12 million package to bring people back into the Perth CBD to accelerate economic and social recovery.

This will be achieved by providing targeted funding for activation activities to eligible businesses, property owners and not-for-profits to run a wide-range of events that focus on increasing foot traffic in the city, utilising empty and unused buildings throughout the CBD and activating the night-time economy.

The State Government has committed $12 million to revitalise the Perth CBD. This includes a $4 million grant program for businesses, property owners and not-for-profit organisations to revitalise the city through event and activation activities over the next 12 months.

Eligible applicants will be able seek grant funding of up to $100,000 through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) through three funding rounds with specific delivery dates.

As part of the program, applicants will also be able to apply to the WA Government for the use of locations such as Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square and the Cultural Centre Precinct. Applications for use of State-managed sites must be made separately to the relevant agency.

CBD Revitalisation Grant Program CBD Revitalisation Grant Program Guidelines

Community Participation and Inclusion Program

Funding permanently closed

Improving social inclusion and access to arts and culture in regional WA.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to Community Participation and Inclusion Program can apply to the Arts Activities in Regional Communities grant program when it is open.

Community Participation and Inclusion Program

Community Recovery Grants Program

Funding permanently closed

The Community Recovery Grants Program supports the well-being, psychosocial recovery and resilience of communities impacted by the flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

It funds local groups and community organisations to deliver activities and events that will assist the community to recover, reconnect and build capacity for future change with an emphasis on social and emotional wellbeing. The program’s key focus is to ensure that communities can access resources and services to support their ability to heal and build community resilience.

Community Recovery Grants Program Community Recovery Grants guidelines

Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program

Funding round closed

Funding for artist-in-residence projects that engage communities and are delivered in partnership with artists and either a local government authority, local school, or community group.

The arts play a significant role in supporting communities to tackle disruption and re-establish local connection, strength and resilience beyond the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DLGSC and Lotterywest Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program provides funding for artist-in-residence projects that engage communities and are delivered in partnership with artists and either a local government authority, local school, not-for-profit community organisations or not-for-profit community services organisations.

Categories include:

The Creative Communities — Residency category provides for short term artist-in-residence projects that run for a minimum of 4 weeks. This category is now closed.
The Creative Communities — Collaboration category provides for significant, collaborative artist-in-residence projects that run for a minimum of 10 weeks. This category is now closed.

Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program Residency category guidelines Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program Collaboration category guidelines

Creative Learning Partnerships Program

Funding round closed

Increasing access for students and teachers to engage in enriched learning through arts experiences.

The Creative Learning Partnerships Program offers grants between $60,000 and $250,000 per annum to deliver 2-year creative learning programs.

The Creative Learning Partnerships Program enhances students’ (years 2 to 9) and educators’ creative learning capabilities in and through the arts. Programs will build educators' pedagogical capacities and increase access to and participation in the arts, cultural and creative activities.

A key concern addressed through the program is those students who are disadvantaged and least likely to have access to such opportunities to enrich their overall learning and engagement. As part of the Creative Learning Partnerships Program, arts organisations will work with identified clusters of schools to deliver programming over two years.

Creative Learning Partnerships Program Creative Learning Partnerships Program guidelines

Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People

Funding round closed

Supporting projects for children and young people to engage in authentic creative and artistic experiences, promoting positive social and emotional wellbeing.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Healthway recognises the importance of providing opportunities for children and young people to engage in authentic creative and artistic experiences, promoting positive social and emotional wellbeing.

The program will support the engagement of creative practitioners to use the arts as a vehicle to reach priority communities and increase opportunities for young people to engage in continuous creative activities to encourage agency, creativity, connection and resilience while supporting their overall mental, social and emotional wellbeing.

Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People guidelines

Event Suppliers Support Program

Funding round closed

One-off financial aid payment for an event suppliers business.

As part of the $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package, the Event Suppliers Support program provides a one-off financial aid payment for an event suppliers business to partially offset some of the additional costs or lost revenues affected by delay to full border reopening of the Western Australian border or capacity constraints introduced to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Event Suppliers Support Program Event Suppliers Support Program guidelines

Gaming Community Trust

Funding round closed

Projects must demonstrate a benefit to the community, be benevolent or charitable in nature and align to one or more of the categories.

The Gaming Community Trust (the Trust) grant program is funded through the unclaimed winnings of casino gaming and wagering in Western Australia. The Trust is supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) in managing the grant program.

Gaming Community Trust Gaming Community Trust guidelines

Getting the Show Back on the Road+

Funding round closed

Helping reduce financial risks for ticketed events in WA.

As part of the State Government’s $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package, a $10 million extension to the Getting the Show Back on the Road+ (GTSBOTR+) has been announced. GTSBOTR+ aims to reduce the financial risks associated with running ticketed events in Western Australia (WA) during a COVID-19 impacted period, and to encourage the safe continuation of public ticketed events.

The GTSBOTR+ program provides support through sharing the risk of lost ticket revenue or registration fees for events impacted from 5 February 2022 from:

Cancellation due to:
- impacts of the border opening delay;
- COVID-19 infection or direction to isolate for event key personnel;
- quarantine requirements for key personnel entering WA making the event unviable; and
- COVID-19 capacity restrictions or social distancing directions.
Support for events that proceed but incur a substantial impact on the number of tickets sold (minimum 50% lost ticket sales/registrations) due to the impact of COVID-19 requirements.
The GTSBOTR+ program will provide three tiers of support to cover lost ticket revenue or registration fees due to the causes listed above as follows:
- 75% of gross ticketing/registration fee value for cancelled events resulting from a COVID-19 direction;
- 50% of gross ticketing/registration fee value for self-cancelled events linked to COVID-19 requirements and/or border opening delay impacting on the viability of the event;
- 30% of gross ticketing/registration fee value for events that proceed but incur a substantial impact on the number of tickets sold/registrations (min 50% fewer tickets/registrations) due to COVID-19 requirements.
- The program does not support requests for retrospective coverage for events that have already occurred. Applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before an event.

Due to the Level 2 Public Health and Social Measures currently in place in Western Australia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic where there is an impact on the viability of live performances. Payments are available to support the unrecoverable costs for the rescheduling of pre-approved events under the Getting the Show Back on the Road+ program, for events scheduled in the Level 2 Public Health and Social Measures period as follows:

Support for unrecoverable rescheduling costs to be set at 30 per cent of pre-approved gross ticketed sales estimate to a cap of $150,000
Support is limited to one reschedule per event.

The program funding caps is $150,000 against 75% of pre-approved lost ticket sales income. For events that experience significant box-office impact, support of up to $500,000 is available subject to Ministerial discretion. Any claims above the funding cap of $150,000 are assessed by external auditors, and based on unrecoverable expenditure (against substantiated receipts) not lost revenue.

GTSBOTR+ is a risk share program that works on a pre-approval model. An applicant is required to submit an application at least 2 weeks prior to an event commencing.

Please contact GTSBOTR+ team before submitting a claim above the funding cap to ensure you provide the necessary preliminary information to obtain approval to submit an above the cap funding request.

Getting the Show Back on the Road+ Getting the Show Back on the Road+ guidelines

Harmony Week grants

Funding round closed

Funding of $2000 is available for diversity and inclusion activities to celebrate Harmony Week 2021.

Activities with a focus on culture and arts and sport and active recreation are encouraged.

Culture and arts activities must involve a professional artist or arts practitioner working with the community to design and deliver the activity.

Sport and active recreation activities must involve the community participating in a primary activity requiring physical exertion and/or physical skill.

Harmony Week grants

In the House

Funding permanently closed

Supporting the performing arts in regional Western Australia.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to In The House can apply to the Regional Arts Venues Support grant program when it is open.

In the House

Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning

Funding permanently closed

Incentivising regional local governments to develop creative and cultural plans and activities.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to Community Participation and Inclusion Program can now apply to the Arts Activities in Regional Communities grant program when it is open.

Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning guidelines

Made in WA

Funding permanently closed

Commissioning new performing arts work which is relevant to regional audiences and will be premiered in regional venues.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to Made in WA can now apply to the Regional Performing Arts grant program.

Made in WA

Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program

Funding round closed

One-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues.

As part of the $67 million Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package, the $1.3 million Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program provides a one-off financial aid payment to a range of indoor entertainment venues (i.e. independent performing art venues, theatres cinemas, and live music venues) that have been impacted by capacity constraints introduced to manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program guidelines

Playing WA

Funding permanently closed

Supporting touring performing arts shows to regional and remote Western Australia.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to Playing WA can now apply to the Regional Performing Arts grant program.

Playing WA

Playing WA Multiyear

Funding round closed

Funding to support a 3-year program touring WA-produced performing arts shows to regional and remote towns and communities in Western Australia.

Up to $400,000 for touring programs delivered across 3 years that align with 2 or more of the following objectives:

Increase the number, quality and variety of performances touring to regional WA.
Engage new audiences and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional communities by enabling local communities to make decisions about their performing arts needs.
Establish or further develop partnerships, collaborations and/or networks between artists, producers, arts organisations, regional venues and communities.
Provide employment and/or professional skill development opportunities for regional artists and arts workers in regional WA.
Support projects that increase access and participation or presentation opportunities by, with or for Aboriginal communities and/or young people.

The Regional Performing Arts grant program is available for one-off touring programs.

Playing WA Multiyear Playing WA Multi-year guidelines

Playwright Partnership Program

Funding round closed

Assists Western Australian playwrights to partner with established producers in commissioning new theatre scripts that tell Western Australian stories. The program offers grants for applications up to $30,000.

Playwrights are asked to develop proposals in partnership with a producing partner who will commission the work and submit the application. The producing partner must demonstrate the commitment and capacity to develop the commissioned work into a fully professional production within a reasonable timeframe. The producing partner is expected to match funding on a dollar for dollar basis. This may include in-kind support.

Playwright Partnership Program Playwright Partnership Program guidelines

Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund

Funding round closed

The program aims to improve access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences for regional audiences, and increase the capacity of public galleries to receive touring exhibitions.

Your application must align with the primary objective and the supporting objectives.

Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund Guidelines

Regional Aboriginal Arts Development

Funding round closed

Funding for projects that support the development of Aboriginal artists and the Aboriginal arts and cultural sector in regional Western Australia.

For Aboriginal arts and cultural projects in regional and remote WA that align with one or more of the following objectives:

support the development of significant and large-scale works created and produced by Aboriginal artists in regional Western Australia
showcase the unique stories of Western Australia’s First Nations peoples and engage new and diverse audiences
support regional Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations to develop strategic, business, succession, sustainability, and/or governance plans
support audience development and economic diversification by strengthening Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations and industry
support long-term skills development goals for Aboriginal arts workers, artists and communities
enable employment opportunities and improve economic growth for regional Aboriginal artists, arts workers and communities.

Regional Aboriginal Arts Development Regional Aboriginal Arts Development Guidelines

Regional and Remote Festivals Fund

Funding permanently closed

The Regional and Remote Festivals Fund supports arts and cultural activity at regional and remote festivals in Western Australia.

This program is closed. Previous applicants to Regional and Remote Festivals Fund can apply to the Arts Activities in Regional Communities grant program when it is open.

Regional and Remote Festivals Fund

Regional Arts Venues Support

Funding round closed

Funding to support the expansion of annual programs delivered by arts venues in regional Western Australia over a 3-year period.

The primary objective of the Regional Arts Venues Support program is to support the development of regional arts venues by enhancing their reach and engagement.

Supporting objectives:

Raise the quality, scale and profile of the arts in regional Western Australia
Boost employment and tourism opportunities in regional Western Australia
Enable regional arts venues to better leverage investment and generate income
Increase opportunities for regional communities to participate in arts and cultural activities and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional communities.

Regional Arts Venues Support Regional Arts Venues Support Guidelines

Industry funding

Major Performing Arts companies

The Major Performing Arts companies play a vital role in the development of artists and audiences, as well as being a large employer of artists and arts professionals in Western Australia.

Major Performing Arts companies

Showcase

‘Showcase’ profiles the creativity, skill and talent of artists and arts organisations in Western Australia through media, social media platforms and outdoor screens across the city.

Showcase

Contact us

Grants officers

For enquiries relating to the grant programs, including advice or assistance with your application, contact a grants officer:

Email a grants officer

Online Grants portal technical support

For help to use the portal or for technical issues, email the Online Grants Support Team.

Assistance for people with disability

The department is committed to supporting applicants with disability. Information can be provided in alternative formats (large print, electronic or Braille) upon request.

If you require special assistance in preparing your application, please call 61 8 6552 7400 or toll free for regional WA callers on 1800 634 541.

Family, friends, mentors and/or carers can attend meetings with you.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through one of the following:

National Relay Service (NRS) then ask for 1800 634 541
TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1800 634 541
Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 ask for 1800 634 541.

Interpreting assistance

For interpreting assistance in languages other than English, telephone the Translation and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.

Regional applicants

Toll free (country WA callers only) 1800 634 541

Page reviewed 27 May 2025

Creative industries funding

Online grants

Funding news

Funding brings cultural understanding to students, teachers and school communities

Arts funding ignites creative performances across WA’s regions

Arts to thrive with $1.9 million in funding for cultural experiences

WA leading the way in Creative Learning

PALS grants bring cultural understanding to the classroom

New Chapter for WA children’s book author Sharon Giltrow

$600,000 to boost creativity and wellbeing for young people

Funding supports successful cultural and arts alliance in Kimberley

Applications for Community Recovery Grants Program now open

Supporting a thriving arts and culture sector in WA

Half a million dollars to encourage creativity in our schools

Arts projects set to shine with more than $600,000 funding

Peer Assessor Panel expressions of interest

Funding open for artists and musicians to SNAP up opportunities

Unclaimed gambling winnings to fund worthy community projects

Funding boosts creativity in schools

Funding enriches regional art and culture

Connecting to Country strengthens culture and communities

Almost one million reasons to love the arts

Augmented reality 3D artworks part of new Arts 15k-plus funding

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Filter funding

Open funding and opening soon

Arts Activities in Regional Communities

Available for

Categories and amounts

Arts Short Notice Activity Program

Available for

Categories and amounts

Connecting to Country

Available for

Categories and amounts

Contemporary Music Fund

CMF Short Notice Activity Program

Available for

Categories and amounts

Creativity for Schools

Available for

Categories and amounts

Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS)

Available for

Categories and amounts

Regional Performing Arts

Available for

Categories and amounts

Closed funding

Aboriginal Arts Commissioning Fund

Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building

Arts 15k-plus

Arts Organisations Investment Program

Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups

Arts Projects for Organisations

CBD Revitalisation Grant Program

Community Participation and Inclusion Program

Community Recovery Grants Program

Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program

Creative Learning Partnerships Program

Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People

Event Suppliers Support Program

Gaming Community Trust

Getting the Show Back on the Road+

Harmony Week grants

In the House

Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning

Made in WA

Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program

Playing WA

Playing WA Multiyear

Playwright Partnership Program

Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund

Regional Aboriginal Arts Development

Regional and Remote Festivals Fund

Regional Arts Venues Support

Industry funding

Major Performing Arts companies

Showcase

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