Catalyst funds innovative projects and initiatives from Australian arts and cultural organisations.

How it works

Who can apply
Australian organisations with an arts and / or cultural heritage purpose can apply for Catalyst funding.
When to apply
You can apply any time, but applications are assessed in quarterly cycles. Indicative dates are below.
Funding available
Up to $12 million is available each year. Multi-year funding is available for up to four years. Requests up to $500,000 per year for individual projects will be considered.

Program Information

funding tabs

About The Program

Catalyst is the Australian Government's new funding program for the arts. It will invest $12 million each year in innovative projects and initiatives from arts and cultural organisations.

Catalyst will assist organisations to forge new creative and financial partnerships and stimulate innovative ways to build participation by Australians in our cultural life. It will enable access to high quality arts experiences in regional communities and international activities that achieve cultural diplomacy objectives.

Projects by, or that involve, small to medium organisations will be given priority. The fund may also support some gallery, library, archive, museum, arts education and infrastructure projects.

Catalyst will complement Australia Council, Creative Partnerships Australia and other support programs.

The Department of Communications and the Arts administers Catalyst. Applications are assessed by a combination of independent and Department assessors.

Apply now

For assistance in how to apply, refer to the following guide.

Key dates

Applications can be made at any time but will be assessed in quarterly cycles.

Applicants should note the indicative dates in the funding cycle when planning projects:

  • submit before midnight (AEST) 15 December for activities commencing after 1 April 2016
  • submit before midnight (AEST) 15 March for activities commencing after 1 July 2016
  • submit before midnight (AEST) 15 June for activities commencing after 1 October 2016
  • submit before midnight (AEST) 15 September for activities commencing after 1 January 2017.

Visit Catalyst—Australian Arts and Culture Fund logos to acknowledge Australian Government support for activities funded under the Catalyst—Australian Arts and Culture Fund.

Applications will be assessed with the assistance of independent assessors.

Visit the become an assessor page for information on how to be an assessor.

Further information:

Email: catalyst [at] arts.gov.au

T: 1800 590 577         

Funding applications

Open