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First Nations Commissioning Fund

Round 3 - single and 2 year projects NOW OPEN! Closes 12 Noon, 5 June 2023. 

 

The First Nations Commissioning Fund is focused on investing in opportunities that share First Nations stories and cultural knowledge and elevate awareness of Queensland’s exceptional First Nations arts and cultural products and experiences.

This fund is for First Nations applicants only.

Objectives

The First Nations Commissioning Fund:

  • Supports the development and presentation of new work and cultural programs by individual First Nations artists, arts workers collectives and organisations.
  • Strengthens skills development and provide new employment opportunities for First Nations artists and arts workers.
  • Grows a pipeline of high-quality First Nations arts, cultural products, and experiences.

Funding

Single-year projects—up to $70,000 for projects and programs for up to 12 months.

Two-year projects—up to $150,000 (open to applications in January 2023) for projects and programs that need a larger and/or longer scale of development of up to two years and include presentation and/or distribution.

Additional funding available

PLUS up to $60,000 towards a First Nations full-time industry placement for 12-months (or a pro rata equivalent for part-time) with a focus on arts management and/or arts production.

PLUS up to $10,000 towards commissioning new music by Queensland-based First Nations composers, musicians or librettists as part of your project.

Frequency

Important dates for the First Nations Commissioning Fund single year and 2-year project applications

 Funding rounds

Open

Close

Notification expected

Activity start date

Round 1
(single year projects only)

CLOSED

CLOSED

Week of 23 January 2023
(Notifications pending as of 1 February 2023) 

From 13 February 2023

Round 2
(single and 2-year projects)

CLOSED

CLOSED

Week of 15 May 2023

From 5 June 2023

Round 3
(single and 2-year projects)

17 April 2023

12 noon
5 June 2023

Week 14 August 2023

From 4 September 2023

How to apply

1. Visit our supporting documents page to view the:

  • First Nations Commissioning Fund guidelines
  • General Funding guidelines

2. Complete the online application form. 

Arts Queensland uses Smartygrants, an online grant application system. If you are unable to access Smartygrants contact:

More information