The Northern Territory Government has opened applications for its 2026-27 Arts Grants Program, committing more than $7.8 million to support artists, arts workers and arts organisations across the Territory.
The funding will be available through a range of grant categories covering new creative projects, professional development, equipment purchases, exhibitions, regional and community arts programs, and initiatives designed to connect audiences with the arts.
Arts Minister Jinson Charls said the investment reflected the government’s commitment to supporting one of Australia’s most diverse creative sectors.
“The Territory has one of the most unique and diverse arts sectors in Australia, and we’re committed to ensuring our artists, arts workers and organisations have the support they need to thrive,” Charls said.
He said the funding extended beyond supporting individual artists, adding: “We’re backing Territory talent with more than $7.8 million because investing in the arts means investing in jobs, tourism, stronger communities and preserving the stories that make the Territory unique.”
Charls said the program would help artists at different stages of their careers. “Whether it’s helping emerging artists take the next step, supporting established organisations to grow, purchasing specialist equipment or taking Territory productions to new audiences, these grants create opportunities right across the Territory.”
The program includes Quick Response Grants, Arts Projects Grants, Arts Equipment Grants, Small Arts Grants, NXT Gen Arts Grants and Artists in Schools Grants.
The government said last financial year’s program funded 200 successful grants, supporting 100 arts organisations, 84 individual artists and 16 arts workers.
Among the projects to receive funding were Indigenous textile and design workshops led by Jamilah Mills, Gary Lang Dance Company’s United Kingdom tour of The Other Side of Me, Ciella Williams’ new work Life is Swift, and GUTS Dance’s Desert Hothouse program in Alice Springs.
The grants program aligns with the Northern Territory Arts Strategy 2034, which focuses on strengthening employment and skills in the creative industries, expanding community participation in the arts and supporting Territory artists to develop and present new work.
Applications for the 2026-27 funding round are now open.
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