Creative Steps - New Work - 2026

This funding supports creative development and presentation of new work by individual artists and arts and cultural workers. Applicants are encouraged to drive and develop partnerships with arts and cultural organisations to support their new works.

This funding could:

• enable the development, creation and presentation of new work
• provide access to resources and expertise for artists and arts and cultural workers to enhance or develop skills and grow their career
• facilitate engagement with and access to new work for NSW audiences
• strengthen the creative ecosystem through collaborations and partnerships
• amplify diverse voices and increase equitable opportunities for NSW artists and arts and cultural workers from Strategic Priority Areas
• contribute to personal and community wellbeing, and economic development.

Who can apply

Individuals: 

• Applicants must be 18 years or above 
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered at time of contracting (if successful) 
• Currently living in NSW (minimum 12 months) 

Groups or other entities that do not have legal status:  

• The lead applicant must be 18 years or above, have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) or be administered at time of contracting (if successful)
• Majority of members must currently be located in NSW (for the past 12 months) 
• Unincorporated groups must have a written/ signed agreement between all members outlining roles and responsibilities, and their acceptance of the proposed project.
• Groups, organisations or partnerships with legal status cannot apply – you may be eligible to apply to Cultural Access.  

If successful, all applicants must provide details of an active ABN with a nominated bank account or provide details of a funds administrator. 

• Individuals must have a sole trader ABN or private company ABN (only if the individual is the sole director) or a funds administrator and a nominated bank account. 

Types of projects funded under this grant

The project must demonstrate it has a focus on arts and culture and directly benefits NSW artists, arts and cultural workers and/or NSW communities and audiences.  

It must be a creative development and/or the presentation of new work.  

What costs you can apply for

Costs you need to consider to make sure your project is a success: 

• Paying wages and fees of artists and arts/cultural workers based on 
  • Note: Events or activities receiving funding from Create NSW, must pay at least $250 fee for musicians.  This fee is based on a ‘3 hour call’ as set out in the Live Performance Award and endorsed by the Fair Work Ombudsman. 
• Renting or hiring of space for workshops, rehearsals, shows, exhibitions or presentations  
• Travel and accommodation costs related to your work or project 
• Fees for development opportunities, mentorships and workshops directly related to the research and development of the project  
• Marketing and promotion expenses  
• Costs or materials for the creation of new work  
• Costs to support First Nations protocols and ICIP  
• Costs to support accessibility.