NSW Boosts Arts and Cultural Funding Program

Artists and organisations across NSW are now able to apply for funding through Round 1 of Create NSW’s 2021/2022 Arts and Cultural Funding Program for Annual Organisation, Project and Creative Koori categories.

The NSW Government will invest an additional $24 million into the Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) over the next four years. This includes a permanent 10% increase in funding available through the competitive assessment rounds for the small to medium sector and independent artists.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the increased investment demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting a vibrant and sustainable arts and cultural sector that has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We recognise that arts and culture have tremendous transformative power. This funding program supports experiences that are essential for our wellbeing, supports employment opportunities in our creative industries and boost cultural tourism to our regional communities.”

“An investment in the arts is an investment in our state’s future. This is the biggest permanent increase in funding to the small to medium sector and independent artists in more than 15 years.” Mr Harwin said. The $24 million uplift in funding is in addition to the existing $247 million already committed for the ACFP from 2021-2025.

Mr Harwin said this announcement of the increased investment and the opening of Round 1 was timely in light of the challenges the arts and cultural sector has faced. “The NSW Government is committed to supporting the arts and cultural sector to continue to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, drought, bushfires and floods. This additional $24 million in funding over the next four years builds on our investment in the sector to support its recovery, through the creation of more jobs in the State’s world-renowned creative landscape at a time when it is needed the most.” Mr Harwin also said the NSW Government has listened to the sector’s feedback and was delivering a more accessible and streamlined funding program.

“The 2021/22 ACFP will provide greater certainty to applicants, and a funding program that directly responds to the needs of the sector. Create NSW are giving applicants more time to apply including a range of resources to enhance accessibility and assist with writing applications. We have created a more streamlined application process to ensure all arts and culture workers and organisations have a level playing field to submit stand-out applications.” Mr Harwin said.