2026 Grants
The Aboriginal Arts Grants provide opportunities for Aboriginal creatives to share their stories and talent through all art forms including performance art, dance, theatre, music, writing and visual art.
The Aboriginal Arts Grants program supports works that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to people of all abilities. We are committed to helping our artists and arts organisations implement best practices to continually enhance the experience for all attendees.
Visit our Accessibility checklist and solutions guide for festivals and events. For further resources, visit Make your business accessible.
The City of Melbourne is a child safe organisation.
Key dates
Applications are closed for 2026 projects. Applications for 2027 projects will open 3 August and close 14 September 2026.
Accessibility
Arts grants are accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. We offer support with submitting an application and funding is available to improve access requirements for delivery of projects.
You can come to one of our drop-in sessions or you can contact us by phone or email to chat about your project or to arrange a face-to-face meeting.
Contact program manager Meg Simondson 9am to 5pm weekdays on 0421 056 530 (text and voice) or email megan.simondson@melbourne.vic.gov.au. Or you can contact program manager Will Box 9am to 5pm weekdays on 0481 099 439 (text and voice) or email will.box@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Assessment panel
All applications are assessed by an independent external panel consisting of experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creative peers.
Assessors for the City of Melbourne's Annual arts grants programs are taken from the External assessment panel members for the City of Melbourne. Occasionally alternative assessors are co-opted to fill a specific vacancy.
Current recipients
2026
| Applicant name | Artform | Project title |
|---|---|---|
| Rickie Martin | Visual | The Colour of Time |
| Glenn Shea | Theatre | Some Secrets Should Be Kept Secret |
| Brian Martin | Visual | Repairing memory & place: Indigenous-led approach to urban water design |
| Na Djinang Circus | Circus | Ocker |
| Kimberly Lovegrove | Theatre | My Ruwi |
| Miles Nautu | Music | Miles Nautu's off color - live visual launch |
Frequently asked questions
Aboriginal arts projects are open to all Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander artists and organisations. Additional eligibility is required for artists or organisations applying to present a project online.
Between 1 January and 31 December 2026.
November 2025.
No, but the public presentation of the project must take place at a venue or outdoor space within the City of Melbourne council boundary. However, if you are applying for an online project, there are additional eligibility requirements you will need to meet.
No, we will not accept emailed applications. All applications must be completed online through SmartyGrants. If you need assistance or the application form is not accessible to you, please contact Meg Simondson on 0421 056 530 (text or voice).
No, you can only submit one application for Aboriginal Arts Grants for 2026.
Yes. If your project includes plans for activities in a public space (for example a park or street), it is an eligibility requirement to discuss your project with an arts grants program manager before submitting your application.
You can contact Meg Simondson on 0421 056 530 (text and voice) weekdays 9am–5pm (except Wednesdays), or email megan.simondson@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Alternatively, contact the program team on 9658 9658 or email arts.grants@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
You can contact Meg Simondson on 0421 056 530 (text and voice) weekdays 9am–5pm (except Wednesdays), or email megan.simondson@melbourne.vic.gov.au. Or you can contact program manager Will Box 9am to 5pm weekdays on 0481 099 439 (text and voice) or email will.box@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
You can find information on artist fees for different art forms and roles from the following organisations:
National Association for the Visual Arts External link (NAVA) – visual arts
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance External link (MEAA) – performing arts
Musicians Union of Australia External link – musicians
Australian Society of Authors External link – writers
Australian Writers’ Guild External link – writers in the areas of television, radio, screen and stage.
Did you know?
When applying for a grant, be wary of cold-callers or websites that charge for grant-related services – this assistance is available for free. Visit the ACCC External link for tips on how to protect your business or project.
Contact us
Phone
More information
- For information on other City of Melbourne funding opportunities, visit Funding and creative opportunities.
- The Annual Arts Grants and Residencies operate under the Creative Strategy 2018-28 and Creative Funding Framework 2024-30.
Keep up to date with upcoming arts grants opportunities
More grant opportunities
Search a range of external grants and funding opportunities available to the City of Melbourne community, artists and businesses using the Funding Centre's SmartySearch grants tool.
Top image: Glenn Shea Three Magpies Perched in a Tree Photograph Darren Gill
