Who can apply

We accept applications from individuals, groups and organisations.

If you are applying as an individual or group, you must be a practising artist or arts worker and an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. If you are a foreign national living or working in Australia and hold a visa other than a permanent residents visa such as a Special Category visa or a Bridging visa, you are not eligible to apply to the Australia Council for funding.

Organisations must be registered under law (for example, incorporated association, or company limited by guarantee) or created by law (for example, a government statutory authority).

Organisations that are not legally constituted are not eligible to apply for funding to grant categories open to organisations only.

International organisations may apply for projects that benefit Australian artists or their work.

Trusts are eligible to apply to the Australia Council. However, the status of the trustee determines whether the trust should apply as an organisation or individual.

If the trustee is an organisation then the trust can only apply to categories open to organisations.

If the trustee(s) is an individual or a group of individuals, the trust can apply only to categories open to individuals and groups.

For more information on trusts, please refer to our Grant FAQs.

For program specific details on who can apply, please see the relevant program summary page.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts panel will only assess applications for funding from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups and organisations.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups and organisations may choose to have their application assessed by a different arts practice peer panel if they prefer.

Applications from other individuals, groups and organisations for activities that involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities must comply with the protocols for working with Indigenous Artists.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people groups and organisations are encouraged to apply to any relevant program delivered by the Australia Council.

For program specific details on who can apply, please see the relevant program summary page.

Working with Major Performing Arts Companies

If your project involves working with a Major Performing Arts Company, please contact us to discuss before submitting an application