Schools across the Northern Territory can now apply for the 2026 Artists in Schools Grants Program, opening the door for students, teachers and local communities to work alongside NT artists on innovative, hands‑on creative projects.
A partnership between the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the Department of People, Sport and Culture (DPSC), the program supports schools to explore artistic ways of learning while strengthening the skills and confidence of everyone involved.
DET Chief Executive Susan Bowden said the program gives students the opportunity to learn in creative, engaging and practical ways by working directly with local artists.
"These projects enrich classroom learning, build confidence and help students develop valuable creative and critical thinking skills," Ms Bowden said.
"Importantly, the program also strengthens connections between schools and their broader communities by bringing families, educators and artists together around shared learning experiences."
In 2025, the Artists in Schools Grants Program supported 13 successful applications, with nine schools completing projects across the Territory. Schools collaborated with contemporary artists across a wide range of creative mediums including dance, theatre, music, murals, mosaics and circuitry.
At Nhulunbuy High School, students worked with artist Tarzan Jungle Queen to create an interactive mural exploring identity, diversity and inclusion.
Ludmilla Primary School teachers partnered with a circus coach to deliver weekly circus lessons culminating in a whole-of-school performance, while Centralian Middle School collaborated with professional DJ and educator Kim Dorfman to teach students the technical and creative skills involved in DJing and music production.
Humpty Doo Primary School students worked with local artist Janie Andrews, Wulna Traditional Owners and artist Tarizma Kenyon to create a large-scale mural celebrating the Ludawei creation story and its journey through the wetlands region of Wulna Country.
By bringing artists directly into classrooms and school communities, the initiative helps build lasting connections between educators, students, families, arts organisations and the Territory's creative sector.
DPSC Chief Executive Samantha Livesley said the program also creates valuable opportunities for local artists while strengthening the Territory's creative industries.
"The Territory's artists play an important role in shaping our communities, culture and identity, and this program creates meaningful opportunities for them to share their skills with the next generation," Ms Livesley said.
"Artists in Schools not only supports arts education, it helps grow the Territory's creative sector by providing employment opportunities for local artists and building lasting partnerships with schools."
Funding of up to $7,000 is available for individual schools, or up to $10,000 for groups of schools collaborating on a shared project.
Artists are encouraged to contact schools to discuss creative project proposals and schools are encouraged to submit applications through Grants NT here, with entries closing at 5pm on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
