More than $570,000 in ACT and Australian Government funding has been awarded to local artists and organisations to strengthen creative practice and expand access to the arts across Canberra.
The ACT Government's Arts Activities Funding program supports Canberra-based artists, groups and organisations to undertake a wide range of activities including the creation of new work, professional development, mentoring, residencies, and community engagement.
Arts Activities Funding is available through two categories. Up to $5,000 category is open year-round, while the $5,000 to $50,000 category can be accessed twice each year. In Round 2 of 2025, 16 applications across all artforms were recommended for funding for a total of $513,394.
Highlights of this year's recipients include:
- Emma Batchelor will develop Bloomwaves, an experimental literary work created within queer community spaces, while Gang Gang Café will deliver Sundowner 2026, a one-day urban music and arts festival showcasing Canberra's vibrant creative scene.
- Canberra Burlesque Academy will run accessibility-focused dance and performance mentorship programs for BIPOC, LGBTQI+, disabled persons and allies.
- Jordan Best will tour Bombshells to regional NSW, featuring ACT-based artists and strengthening cross-border cultural connections.
- Local filmmaker Ujjwal Rai will develop Maha Maya, a feature screenplay in collaboration with local writers and recognised industry professionals.
- Brenda Croft will showcase the best of Canberra's art interstate by creating new work for a solo exhibition at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and digitising her photographic archives.
The Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, which supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia, has this year awarded funding to three ACT projects, totalling $59,960. The projects include:
- The Stellar Company will offer dance and movement classes for older Canberrans of migrant backgrounds in Gungahlin, Phillip and Woden.
- Australian Dance Party will present IMPULSE, a multidisciplinary performance activating public spaces through dance and creative response.
- Tuggeranong Community Arts Association will lead Weaving Stories, a First Nations-led workshop series in Tharwa exploring connection to Country and shared cultural experiences.
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson, said Canberra's arts community continues to demonstrate extraordinary creativity, diversity and depth.
"These projects reflect the strength of our local talent and the importance of supporting artists to grow their practice, collaborate and connect with audiences," Minister Pettersson said.
"I congratulate each of the successful applicants and thank everyone who applied. Your work enriches our city and the local region, playing a vital role in building a vibrant, inclusive and connected Canberra."
