Create NSW Regional Arts Touring (Round 2)

Who Can Apply: Professional artists and arts and cultural workers aged 18 or over who have lived in NSW for at least 12 months and have an ABN or a funds administrator; unincorporated groups with a majority of NSW members; and organisations with legal status (NSW-based preferred). Not open to film/screen or contemporary music projects, schools, or applicants funded in the previous round.
The Focus: Touring arts and cultural work across regional NSW, for example an artist or curator touring an exhibition to several regional galleries, or a group show moving between regional galleries with curator talks. Tours must start after 1 February 2027 and finish by 31 January 2029.
The Funding: AUD 10,000-75,000 for individuals and groups; AUD 20,000-120,000 for organisations. At least 10% of the tour must be funded from other cash or in-kind support. Covers travel, accommodation, freight and packing, venue hire, artist fees, marketing, access and First Nations protocol costs.
Key Requirements: SmartyGrants online form; work samples up to 25MB as PDF or links; letters of invitation or partnership where applicable; outcome information (locations, audience and employment estimates); detailed budget on the mandatory template; Connection to Place statement. One application per round. Closes 2:00 pm AEDT, 13 October 2026.

DeadlineTuesday, October 13, 2026

AwardIndividuals and groups can apply for AUD 10,000 to AUD 75,000. Organisations can apply for AUD 20,000 to AUD 120,000 (assessed separately). Create NSW will not fund 100% of a tour: at least 10% must come from other cash or in-kind support.

Program datesTour must start after 1 February 2027 and be completed by 31 January 2029.

LocationNSW

ParticipationOn-site

Career stagesAll Stages

Age range18–

Application notesApply online through Create NSW's SmartyGrants portal by 2:00 pm AEDT on 13 October 2026. Only one application per applicant in this round; applicants successful in the previous Regional Arts Touring round cannot apply. The application must include: (1) the completed online application form with answers to the assessment criteria; (2) samples of work, up to 25MB in total, as PDF or URL/weblink (links must work); (3) letters of invitation, collaboration or partnership, where applicable; (4) outcome information including tour locations and estimated employment and audience numbers; (5) a detailed budget of income and expenses on the mandatory budget template, showing a co-contribution of at least 10% in cash or in-kind (the request cannot exceed 90% of tour income); (6) a Connection to Place statement, and First Nations cultural affirmation or protocol documentation where relevant. Individuals need a sole-trader ABN (or a private-company ABN if sole director and shareholder) or a funds administrator, and an Australian bank account, by contracting. Unincorporated groups need a lead applicant who meets the individual rules, a majority of members living in NSW for 12 months or more, and a signed agreement between members. Tours with venues not yet confirmed are eligible. Assessment: Idea 50%; Diversity, Participation and Connection to Place 30%; Planning, Experience and Financial Management 20%. Contact: arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au, (02) 9228 4578.

Contactarts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au

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Create NSW