Federal Government releases creative economy grant guidelines

Chronis-Yan-UnsplashThe Federal Government has released the guidelines for the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund and the Sustainability Fund ahead of the formal call for applications on 31 August, giving arts organisations and companies an opportunity to review the criteria and prepare their applications.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Government is taking action to support the creative economy and get the sector back doing what it does best. “The RISE Fund will provide grants of between $75,000 and $2 million to help restart activities such as festivals, concerts, tours and events once it is safe to do so,” he said.

“The grants will allow the arts sector reactivate, re-imagine and create new cultural experiences, including innovative operating and digital delivery models. This will help keep artists, performers, roadies, front of house staff and all those who work behind the scenes employed.”

“I encourage eligible organisations across Australia to familiarise themselves with the RISE Fund guidelines ahead of applications opening later this month to help bring arts and entertainment back to Australian audiences,” said Minister Fletcher.

The RISE Fund will provide seed funding to arts organisations, companies and promoters to fund new events, activities and productions such as festivals, concerts, tours and events, which need significant capital investment.

The Government has also released guidelines for the $35 million Arts Sustainability Fund to provide direct financial assistance to support Commonwealth-funded arts and culture organisations facing threats to their viability due to COVID-19.

“The Arts Sustainability Fund will provide targeted support to sector-significant organisations across areas such as theatre, dance, circus, music and other fields which are facing immediate threats to their continuing financial viability,” said Minister Fletcher.

“Australia’s creative and cultural sector is an important component of Australia’s economy, generating $112 billion a year and stimulating activity in adjacent sectors such as tourism and hospitality. Having a strong creative and cultural sector will be important in rebuilding the economy following COVID-19.”

The Office for the Arts will work with the Australia Council to deliver funding to targeted organisations who have a funding agreement in place with the Australian Government, either through the Australia Council or the Office for the Arts in areas such as theatre, dance, circus and music.


Applications for grants under these two funds will open from 31 August through until 31 May 2021 (5.00pm AEST). Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis by the Office for the Arts and the Australia Council, with the Creative Economy Taskforce providing advice. For more information, visit: www.arts.gov.au fo details.

Image: photo by Chronis Yan on Unsplash