Changes to our support for festivals and events
Funding for festivals and events is now available through 4 grants programs. Learn how to choose the right one and apply.

We still support events and experiences in our area, but we no longer run a separate festivals and events sponsorship program.
Instead you now apply for funding through one of our 4 programs:
This change makes it easier to choose the category that best fits your event’s main goal. It also means your application will be assessed alongside similar projects.
The 4 programs are part of our main funding round. It opens for applications in late July each year with funding available from 1 January.
How to choose the right grant
Think about the main purpose your event fits under, the ‘primary purpose’ test:
- If your event activates places and precincts, boosts local business and increases foot traffic, apply under economic.
- If your event showcases new artistic works by professional artists apply under creative.
- If your festival promotes social cohesion and inclusion apply under social and community.
- If your event focuses on climate awareness or preparing for extreme weather, apply under environmental.
You can only apply under one program, so decide what your event is mainly trying to achieve before applying.



