First Nations Creative and Professional Development​ grants

This grant supports NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and acts to create, record and promote new and original contemporary music, undertake professional development and purchase equipment.

Key information

• Grant amount: Up to $30,000

• Application closes: 21 September 2026, 2:00 pm

This funding aims to:  

• prioritise and protect First Nations music 

• strengthen the recorded music ecosystem for NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists 

• future proof the NSW music industry for NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists through upskilling and collaboration  

• build the profile of NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander music.  

Types of projects funded under this grant

Grants for NSW Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and acts creating new and original contemporary music will support project costs associated with: 

• developing new music 

• collaboration 

• recording (including mixing, mastering) 

• pressing, manufacturing and releasing 

• marketing and promotional activity 

• career development opportunities, including participation in workshops, camps, mentorships and residencies 

• purchase equipment essential to their music career. 

What costs you can apply for

Funding up to $30,000 can support: 

• producer and artist collaborator fees 

• studio, recording, mixing and mastering costs 

• pressing and manufacturing 

• digital marketing, publicity services and content creation 

• administrative costs 

• fees to attend or participate in workshops, camps, mentorships, residencies and other career development opportunities 

• the purchase of equipment essential to your music career, including instruments, hardware and software (up to $5,000). 

Find out more and apply via the website.