2026 Aboriginal Arts Grants

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This is a preview of the 2026 Aboriginal Arts Grants application form form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

Information and eligibility

* indicates a required field.

Applicants are advised to read the 2026 Guidelines on our website carefully before proceeding with an application.

Aboriginal arts grants support artists at all career stages and across all art practices to develop and present ideas in 2026.

Grants are available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and arts organisations.

Funding available:
  • Grants up to $20,000 for presentation or projects to the public (at a venue or online). Examples of a presentation are a performance, exhibition or live music show.

If you need an accessible application format, please get in touch.

You can contact Meg Simondson for application support 9am - 5pm weekdays on 0421 056 530 (text and voice) or email megan.simondson@melbourne.vic.gov.au or Will Box on 0481 099 439 (text or voice) or email will.box@melbourne.vic.gov.au

IMPORTANT: Please check that your public presentation venue or location is located within City of Melbourne boundary:

  • The City of Melbourne's local government/municipal boundary does not include the broader Melbourne metropolitan area.
  • Our local government geographic footprint encompasses Docklands, East Melbourne, Fishermans Bend, Jolimont, Kensington, North Melbourne, Melbourne’s central business district, Parkville, South Wharf and West Melbourne but only parts of Carlton, Carlton North, Flemington, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and Southbank.
  • If you are unsure about your eligibility and the Melbourne Council boundary, contact us or go to our interactive maps at City of Melbourne municipal boundary page

About the application form: your responses to each question will determine which further questions you will need to answer.

Eligibility

In submitting an application I/we confirm that I/we are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or led organisation 

In submitting my application, I agree to have complied with the following:

  • I have read and understood the City of Melbourne 2026 Aboriginal Arts Grants guidelines and my proposal complies with the conditions, application and eligibility requirements.
  • Only one application may be submitted to the Aboriginal arts grant program.
  • I have viewed and understood the City of Melbourne municipal boundary requirements. 
  • My application will not be accepted if a proposed outcome venue or location is not within the City of Melbourne boundaries.
  • I understand that the proposed activity must occur in 2026.
  • My application will not be accepted if it is not lodged by the stated close date through SmartyGrants or does not have all the required materials.
  • I/my organisation have no outstanding acquittals or debts to the City of Melbourne.
  • Applications for online presentation must meet additional and specific eligibility requirements.
  • I understand that I must contact City of Melbourne staff if my proposed activity occurs in a City of Melbourne manged outdoor space.
  • I or the activities proposed in this application do not denigrate, exclude or offend parts of the community or breach Commonwealth and State anti-vilification laws.
Do you comply with the above eligibility? * Required
Response required.
Clear the selected value for Do you comply with the above eligibility?

How to apply

We want you to tell us about your project idea in the format that is easiest for you. You can describe your idea through a:

  • written response
  • video
  • audio message
Select the question format you would like to use for describing your idea and responding to the assessment criteria * Required
Response required.