We met recently with representatives of the Ministry of Arts (Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts to be precise)
Prior to Soundtrails (in the guise of our erstwhile company, The Story Project) we’d worked with the Minister, Tony Burke (a man who’s worn many ministerial hats over the years) with his electorate in Canterbury: so we saw this as an opportunity to introduce his office to what we were doing and ask questions about industry linkages and opportunities to foster and fund the development of audio walks.
Given the important role grant funding plays in the Australian art and cultural sector, we thought it worthwhile to pass on this list of funding opportunities with thanks to Thea McGrath from the Ministry of Arts. Here we go:
1.The Indigenous Languages and Arts program
The Indigenous Languages and Arts Program is about conserving, revitalising and sustaining languages for communities, including supporting a network of 25 Indigenous Language Centres throughout Australia.
The Indigenous Languages and Arts program also supports the creation, promotion and celebration of First Nations cultural expression through traditional and modern art forms.
Who can apply?
Organisations that support participation in, and maintenance of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through community-led Indigenous languages and arts activities.
When?
The 2026–27 ILA program open competitive grant opportunity is expected to open for applications around October 2025.
For more information see Indigenous Languages and Arts program | Office for the Arts
2.Regional Arts Fund
The Regional Arts Fund supports cultural development in regional, remote and rural communities in Australia and provides over $6 million per year to support artists and communities in regional and remote areas
The Australian Government’s ongoing increase to the Regional Arts Fund of $8.5 million over four years under Revive will continue to provide significant cultural and creative development opportunities for artists and arts organisations, and the communities they support.
The Regional Arts Fund provides funding for a mix of quick response grants and project grants, as well as professional development for artists and arts workers, and community capacity building projects.
Regional Arts Australia administers the program nationally on behalf of the Australian Government, in NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, TAS, WA and NT.
More information can be found on the department website here: Regional Arts Fund | Office for the Arts and on the Regional Arts Australia website here: Regional Arts Australia | Regional Arts Fund
3.Australia’s National Cultural Policy
Revive a place for every story, a story for every place is due to end in 2027. In 2025-26 the Australian Government will commence engaging with stakeholders for a new National Cultural Policy. Keep an eye out on the departments website: Homepage | Office for the Arts to keep across information as it becomes available.
4.Heritage Grants
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water deliver the Australian Heritage Grants program and information can be found on the departments website here: Australian Heritage Grants – DCCEEW
So….
If your organisation has a great idea for a Soundtrail and is a serious contender for grant funding, please reach out. We’d be happy to chat.