Multi-Year Funding
Arts and Cultural Funding Program
Image: Merrigong Theatre’s The Sirens’ Return, Port Kembla Pool. Photo: Jeremy Park
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Multi-year funding for arts and cultural organisations (including LGAs) are now closed.
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Accessibility
If you are an applicant with disability or who is d/Deaf, and you require this information in a format which is accessible to you, or if you require this information in another language, you can contact us on (02) 8289 6520 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
The National Relay service numbers are:
TTY users: Phone 133 677 then ask for (02) 8289 6520
Speak and Listen users: Phone 1300 555 727 then ask for (02) 8289 6520
Internet Relay users: Connect to NES then ask for (02) 8289 6520.
Multi-year funding overview
Multi-Year funding supports independent arts and cultural organisations and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to deliver, develop and present multiple arts and cultural activities over a 4-year period. Multi-year funding is an important function in supporting the longevity and sustainability of the leading independent arts and cultural organisations and LGAs in NSW.
Funding will be for programs commencing 1 January 2025 and can contribute to any aspect of an organisation’s program.
Key Change | 2019/20 and 2021/22 ACFP | 24/25 Multiyear Funding- Arts & Cultural Organisations |
EOI only applicable to new multi-year clients | All multi-year applicants had to complete an EOI and full application. | Existing multi-year clients will automatically progress to full application stage and will not complete an EOI |
Local Government Authorities (LGAs) Funding | There was a separate LGA Round. LGAs could apply for one, two or three years. | LGAs will now be eligible to apply in the ACFP Multi-Year – Arts & Cultural Organisation funding round Funding will be for a 4-year period and will align with other multi-year funded organisations |
Funding Term | Multiyear funding was for a 2+2 year period Programs could be by financial or calendar years | Multi-year funding is for a 4-year period Programming aligned to calendar years beginning 1 January 2025 and ending 31 December 2028 |
Criteria responses | Applicants were required to select a specific criterion for IMPACT | Impact criteria now includes social impact option |
What can I apply for?
- creation of new work, practice-based research, or professional development
- production, exhibition, presenting, publishing, or recording, touring and festivals
- promotion and marketing, market and/or audience development activity
- conservation and/or development of collections and archives (including Aboriginal Keeping Places and the digitisation of collections)
- purchase of capital infrastructure and equipment for independent arts and cultural organisations (not LGAs)*
- partnerships, capacity building and sustainability.
*Local Government Authorities can only apply for funding for program activities, excluding operational costs.
When can I apply for funding?
There are two stages to apply for multi-year funding:
Stage one – new applicants only
EOI submissions open 2 February 2023 and close 1 March 2023 at 5pm.
Stage two – all applicants (existing multi-year clients and approved stage one EOI’s)
Applications open in approximately June 2023.
How much can I apply for?
There is no upper limit to the amount of funding you may request however it is recommended that you only request the amount you need to deliver your program.
Guidelines
The information on this page is a guide only. We recommend reading the full guidelines before completing your application.
Go to the Multi-year Funding Guidelines
Apply now
To apply for funding you will need to complete and submit the relevant application form through our secure online grants system SmartyGrants.
What support is available to me?
View Create Connects Webinar for Multi-year Funding EOI
You may contact a staff member if you need advice regarding these guidelines or SmartyGrants .
- Telephone: (02) 8289 6520
- Email: multiyear@create.nsw.gov.au for guidelines-related enquiries
- Email: arts.funding@create.nsw.gov.au or technical and SmartyGrant/Application-related enquiries
- Schedule an online meeting to speak to Create staff through picktime.
- Or you may contact staff directly.