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First Nations Commissioning Fund

The First Nations Commissioning Fund is focused on investing in opportunities that share First Nations stories and cultural knowledge and elevate awareness of Queensland’s exceptional First Nations arts and cultural products and experiences.

This fund is for First Nations applicants only.

Objectives

The First Nations Commissioning Fund:

  • Supports the development and presentation of new work and cultural programs by individual First Nations artists, arts workers collectives and organisations.
  • Strengthens skills development and provides new employment opportunities for First Nations artists and arts workers.
  • Grows a pipeline of high-quality First Nations arts, cultural products, and experiences.

Funding

Single-year projects—up to $70,000 for projects and programs for up to 12 months.

Two-year projects—up to $150,000 for projects and programs that need a larger and/or longer scale of development of up to two years and include presentation and/or distribution.

Additional funding available

Up to $10,000 towards fees for Queensland-based composers, musicians or librettists to support the commissioning of new live or recorded music as part of your project.

Frequency

Important dates for the First Nations Commissioning Fund single year and 2-year project applications

 Funding rounds

Open

Close

Notification expected

Activity start date
Round 6 (new guidelines tbc) 3 February 2025 17 March 2025 Late May 2025 From 23 June 2025

Round 7 (new guidelines tbc)

 14 July 2025

25 August 2025

 End October 2025 From 1 December 2025

How to apply

 

1. Visit our supporting documents page to view the:

  • First Nations Commissioning Fund guidelines (Round 4)
  • Previous First Nations Commissioning Fund guidelines (Round 1-3)
  • General Funding guidelines

2. Complete the online application form. 

Arts Queensland uses Smartygrants, an online grant application system. If you are unable to access Smartygrants contact:

More information