NSW artists, producers and arts and cultural organisations can now apply for funding with Create NSW’s
2026 Regional Arts Touring Round 1 and 2026 Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) Project Funding
programs opening today.
A total of $4.28 million is available to support local artists and organisations, spanning all artforms, to
develop creative practices, produce and present new creative works, reach new audiences and connect
communities through culture.
2026 Regional Arts Touring Fund (Round 1)
Individual artists, groups and organisations with plans to tour productions to regional NSW communities
may apply for:
2026 Regional Arts Touring (Round 1) – (up to $75,000 for individuals, and up to $120,000 for
organisations) – Funding is open to a diverse range of innovative NSW art and cultural programs
that appeal to audiences of any age to take their show on the road – from theatre and children’s
shows, classical music, comedy and dance, to literature programs, touring visual art and museum
exhibitions. The program supports NSW artists to increase their audience reach and touring
capacity, while providing more equitable access for regional audiences to exciting arts and
cultural experiences and live performance, including new work produced in NSW.
2026 Project Funding
First Nations artists and organisations may apply for:
Creative Nations – (between $10,000 and $75,000 for individuals and $20,000 to $100,000 for
organisations) – a dedicated funding program for First Nations-led arts and cultural projects.
Creative Nations supports projects that sustain and strengthen First Nations arts and culture
including contemporary artistic practice, community‑led storytelling and truth‑telling initiatives.
Individual NSW-based artists may apply for one of the following programs:
Creative Steps – New Work (up to $75,000) to develop or present new creative work, or
Cultural Access – Priority Areas (up to $75,000 for individuals) for projects led by or engaging
with priority areas and target populations – namely First Nations, culturally and linguistically
diverse, young people, disability and d/Deaf communities, LGBTQIA+ and communities located in
Western Sydney and regional NSW; or
Professional Development – Next Steps (up to $10,000) to participate in professional development
opportunities to propel careers to the next level
Applications are open until 25 May 2026.
Visit Create NSW for more info and to apply
Image: Gilgamesh, 2025 Presented by Opera Australia Sydney Chamber Opera Carriageworks, Image by Daniel Boud