Programs for visual arts

Visions of Australia

Visions of Australia aims to make exhibitions of cultural material accessible to more Australians. It provides grants to cultural and community organisations to develop and tour exhibitions of historical and scientific material, visual arts and craft, multimedia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture throughout Australia. Exhibitions should have a predominantly Australian source or theme.

Through the program, more Australians have the chance to enjoy our diverse culture and organisations can tour exhibitions interstate to major centres as well as regional and remote areas.

Festivals Australia

Festivals Australia is a Commonwealth Government cultural grant program which provides assistance to regional and community Australian festivals for the presentation of quality cultural activities. Funding is available to add a really new or special sort of cultural activity that has never been done before and could not be afforded.

There are two funding rounds a year which are advertised nationally, with closing dates of 15 February and 15 July (if this date falls on a weekend, the closing date will be the following Monday). Grants are announced in May and October for festivals commencing from July and January, respectively. An advisory committee assesses applications against the program guidelines through a competitive selection process.

Australia Council

The Australia Council provides funding for groups and individuals for worthwhile artistic endeavours and has an excellent website that features cultural events, listings, reviews and information across a wide range of arts and activities.