Artist Funding in Australia
Arts councils, grants, and funding bodies for artists
artsACT
The Australian Capital Territory’s arts agency funds artists, organizations, and cultural projects that contribute to the Territory’s cultural life. Visual artists may access project funding, professional development, and occasional larger development or presentation support, often with a strong local/community emphasis.
Australia Council for the Arts
The former national arts funder, now operating under Creative Australia’s new structure and legacy programs, remains central to understanding Australia’s public arts funding landscape. Its historic role was to fund individual practice, project development, and sector initiatives through competitive grants, and many artists still search under this name when looking for federal support.
City of Sydney
The City of Sydney supports local cultural activity, public art, and community-oriented creative projects through grants and partnerships. Visual artists and collectives can sometimes access project support, venue-related assistance, or public art opportunities, especially when the work has a strong local impact.
Create NSW
New South Wales’ state arts agency funds artists, arts organizations, and projects that strengthen the state’s cultural life. Visual artists can find support for project production, exhibitions, residencies, professional development, and sometimes touring or community engagement, with grant sizes varying widely by program.
Create Queensland
Queensland’s arts funding body supports the development, presentation, and promotion of arts and culture across the state. Visual artists can apply for project and career support, with some opportunities aimed at regional access, community engagement, and cultural tourism.
CreateSA
South Australia’s state arts agency supports artists, collectives, and organizations through grants and development programs. Visual artists can look for project funding, professional development, residency-linked support, and opportunities tied to regional or community outcomes.
Creative Australia
Australia’s national arts funding and development body, supporting individual artists, groups, and organizations through peer-assessed grants. For visual artists, it commonly funds creative development, production, presentation, touring, research, and international engagement, with many grants sitting in the roughly A$10,000–A$50,000 range depending on the stream.
Creative Tasmania
Tasmania’s arts funding arm supports local artists and arts organizations through grants that often prioritize artistic development, presentation, and cultural participation in a smaller-state ecosystem. Visual artists may find project, presentation, and career-development support, with occasional focus on regional practice and access.
Creative Victoria
Victoria’s state government arts body supports artists and organizations across the creative industries, including visual arts, public art, and community-facing projects. Programs can include project grants, sector development, international opportunities, and occasional targeted initiatives for artists and collectives.
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Western Australia
Western Australia’s state government arts funding includes project and organizational support, such as Arts Projects for Organisations, which offers roughly A$5,000 to A$80,000 for creative development, annual activity, business development, and Aboriginal arts. It is a major source for artists working with incorporated groups, collectives, and arts organizations.
Artist Residencies in Australia
35 residencies listed
Bundanon
Illaroo, Australia
Bundanon's Artists in Residence program, set within the cultural and natural landscape of Australia, is one of the most extensive of its kind nationally. Established by Arthur and Yvonne Boyd, the program has been operational since 1997, supporting over 250 artists annually across all creative disciplines, including visual arts, writing, music, and performance. Located in a region renowned for its scenic beauty, this program not only offers a retreat for artists but also a vibrant community space for creative exploration and public engagement. The residency facilities at Bundanon include studios, rehearsal spaces, and accommodation in single and shared apartments, as well as self-contained cottages capable of hosting up to 10 people. The program is designed to encourage artistic development without the pressure of specified outcomes, allowing for experimental and exploratory approaches to art-making. This supportive environment is supplemented by various fellowships and awards, aimed at providing financial assistance and facilitating creative growth. Structured through collaborations with various arts organizations and cultural agencies, Bundanon’s residency program serves as an incubator for innovative practices and a forum for cultivating deep connections among artists from around the world. With its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the program particularly encourages applications from First Nations artists, artists with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
All That We Are
Sandford, Australia
All That We Are is a dynamic, community-engaged, and immersive arts practice located in Sandford, Tasmania. Founded by Simon Spain and Victoria Ryle, the residency is dedicated to fostering creativity through a variety of artistic and community-oriented practices. Their philosophy centers on the belief that creativity is crucial for forming profound and enriching connections within oneself and the community. The program offers creative residencies for over 25 artists each year, providing spaces such as a self-contained studio and a library within their home, and the newly established Shaper Studio. The residencies are designed for both individual artists and groups, and are particularly suitable for visual artists, writers, researchers, and musicians. Artists are encouraged to immerse themselves in their practices, reflect on their creative processes, and engage with the vibrant Tasmanian art scene. The Shaper Studio, a distinctive feature of the residency, offers a large live/work space with stunning natural light and scenic views, promoting a blend of artistic endeavor and personal reflection. Specialized workshops, professional development, and creative coaching are also integral parts of the residency, helping artists to hone their skills, develop new ideas, and collaborate on community projects. The inclusive environment supports artists from various disciplines, facilitating a multidisciplinary exchange of ideas and cultural dialogues.
Agency
Australia
Name of Residency: Agency AiRAgency AiR is a program of residencies dedicated to First Nations participants, developed by Agency in collaboration with different partners. The program includes: urban residencies, regional residencies, community-based residencies, hybrid residencies (with both IRL and digital components), and international residencies. Residencies are offered to First Nations artists, curators, writers, cultural leaders, Elders, experts and art practitioners—selected by invitation
Artspace Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Sydney-based contemporary art center with a rent-free Studio Program that supports artists through long-form residencies, curatorial dialogue, and peer exchange.
Bara Skriv | Just Write
Australia
Name of Residency: Bara Skriv Writing RetreatThe Bara Skriv Writing Retreat is a six-day residential program designed to support writers in deepening their creative practice through focus, reflection, and community.Held at Linden Cottage, a peaceful rural property in Cunningar, New South Wales, the residency offers structured yet flexible days centred around individual writing time, optional group sharing, and rest in nature.Key Activities Include:– Morning writing blocks (solo or collaborative)
Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiatives (BigCi)
Bilpin, Australia
Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiatives (BigCi) is an independent, artist-run, not-for-profit residency program located on the edge of Wollemi National Park, near Sydney, Australia. Established by artist Rae Bolotin and environmentalist Yuri Bolotin, BigCi provides a nurturing environment for artists across various disciplines to engage in professional development and explore their projects, especially those focusing on environmental or ecological themes. The unique natural surroundings serve as a rich source of inspiration, with artists having opportunities to participate in bushwalks and learn about the area's unique biodiversity. Residencies culminate in an Open Day, allowing artists to present their work to the public. BigCi offers a range of residencies throughout the year, with facilities including large studios, common areas, and accommodation in the Art Shed, the Barn, or the House. The program is open to visual artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and other creative professionals, encouraging applications from individuals and groups interested in utilizing this unique setting for creative exploration.