Seed Grants

• Individual artists and practitioners
• Unincorporated community groups (with an auspice)
• Incorporated associations, Not-for-profit organisations and registered charities
• Aboriginal Corporations

This grant is intended to support grassroots, community-led arts activity. Applications from organisations whose primary purpose is education (schools/education providers, including P&Cs), commercial activity, or profit generation will not be considered.

Applicants must have a valid ABN and current Public Liability Insurance (or be able to purchase insurance before project commences). Unincorporated groups without an ABN must apply via an auspice organisation that is a legally constituted not-for-profit entity with an ABN.

Applicants and projects must be based within Arts Mid North Coast member LGAs:

• City of Coffs Harbour
• Bellingen Shire
• Nambucca Valley
• Kempsey Shire
• Port Macquarie-Hastings

Applications from outside these areas are not eligible. 

If you have a current Arts Mid North CASP grant or outstanding acquittals, you are ineligible to apply.

Examples of projects include:

• Workshops, mentoring, and skill development programs
• Performances, exhibitions, or showcases
• Public art or local creative activations
• Community arts and cultural events
• New work, presentations, or collaborations
• Cross-disciplinary or experimental initiatives

Funding can support:

• Artist fees (must align with industry standards where applicable e.g NAVA Code of Practice or Live Performance Awards)
• Materials and production costs
• Venue or equipment hire
• Workshop and engagement costs

Projects must:

• Demonstrate connection to community and place
• Be completed within 12 months of funding
• Include fair and appropriate artist payment

Co-contributions are encouraged but not required

• Expenditure already incurred, including backpaying costs or loans
• Projects that have already commenced prior to funding approval
• Ongoing or existing programs that are part of regular business operations
• Capital purchases or infrastructure costs, including: equipment purchases, permanent fit-outs or building works.
• Activities that are carried out to satisfy the course requirements of an educational institution, such as a TAFE or university or delivery of a schools program
• Projects that do not compensate artists appropriately
• Programs that are only available to closed membership groups or a school cohort.
• Projects that do not have a community outcome.
• Projects delivered primarily outside the Mid North Coast region
• Applicants not based in eligible Mid North Coast LGAs
• Projects of commercial or profit-making generation

Priority will be given to projects that align with one or more of the following:

1. Capacity Building & Professional Development

• Developing skills, networks, or career pathways
• Supporting artists at any stage of their practice
• Strengthening project delivery capability

2. Activation of Creative Spaces

• Use of underutilised or non-traditional spaces
• Public art, pop-ups, or creative place-making
• Bringing arts and culture into everyday community settings

3. Community Engagement

• Active participation from local communities
• Projects that build connection, identity, and cultural life
• Accessible and inclusive activities and experiences

4. Diversity & Inclusion

Strong encouragement for projects led by or engaging:

• First Nations artists and communities
• Young people
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities
• People with disability

Applications will be assessed by a panel including Arts Mid North staff, and Board Members.

Applications will be assessed assessed against the following criteria:

1. Artistic & Cultural Merit

Strength and originality of the idea
Relevance to the local context

2. Alignment with Priorities

Contribution to one or more strategic priority areas

3. Community Connection

Quality of engagement with audiences or participants
Inclusivity and accessibility

4. Viability

Clear plan and achievable timeline
Appropriate and realistic budget
Capacity of the applicant to deliver the project

5. Development & Impact

Benefits to the applicant or community
Potential for ongoing outcomes or broader impact