PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Arts North West provides professional development workshops as well as individual advice to arts workers, creatives, councils, businesses and arts and cultural organisations in our region. We can:

Review funding applications
Suggest funding sources and opportunities
Auspice grants
Provide tips on project management, planning, budgets, partners
Assist with logistics planning – insurance, branding, business plans
Advise on promotion and marketing
Art handling and installation

For more information contact our Executive Director.

⭐ Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts

Recognising the achievement of an Australian First Nations artist or arts workers between the age of 18 and 35.

Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts

To discuss your application, please contact:

Alana Goodwin
Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives
First Nations Arts and Culture
Phone: +61 2 9215 9163
Email:  alana.goodwin@creative.gov.au

If you need help with your nomination, please call or email us.

Key dates

Amount: One award of $25,000
Applications close: Tuesday 16 September 2025, 3pm AEST
Notifications: December 2025
The First Nations Arts & Culture Awards are on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
Please note: To nominate you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

Nominate now

Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts (18-35 years of age)

We are pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts. Valued at $25,000 this Award recognises the achievement of one Australian First Nations artist or arts worker in community arts and cultural development, dance, experimental arts, literature, multi-arts, music, theatre and/or visual arts between the age of 18 and 35.

We are seeking nominations from individuals, arts and community organisations. The recipient will be presented with the Award at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards ceremony to be held on Wednesday 27 May 2026.

This initiative is part of Creative Australia’s First Nations First industry development programs. The programs have been developed in response to extensive community consultation on priorities and needs of the sector in response to Pillar 1, First Nations First – Revive, the Australian Government’s shared vision for Australia: a place for every story and a story for every place. These initiatives aim to elevate existing programs and deliver new funding that build on a 50-year legacy of First Nations leadership and investment at Creative Australia.

⭐ Behind Every Window: A Story Told Through Light” with RealArtWorks Inc

Next date: Saturday, 20 September 2025 | 10:00 AM

Join “Behind Every Window: A Story Told Through Light” with Real Art Works Inc.

Are you eager to develop skills in projection, installation, and live performance art?

Come along to an information session on from 10.00am Saturday 20 September 2025 at the Glen Innes Highlands Hub to learn how to develop your skills and be part of an incredible project to transform the CBD of Glen Innes.

RealArtWorks Inc. invites participants aged 12+ from the Glen Innes Severn region to apply for an inspiring, mentor-led creative program culminating in a roaming performance and projection event on 29 November 2025, as part of “Behind Every Window: A Story Told Through Light” during the Christmas in the Highlands - Illuminations celebrations.

Participant Opportunities

Successful applicants will:

Be mentored one-on-one by the Real Art Works production team in projection arts, interactive installation, and live performance techniques.
Work collaboratively to co-produce 5 projection vignettes and interactive installations.
Participate in a roaming performance and projection activation across Glen Innes CBD on 29 November 2025, during the ‘Behind Every Window: A Story Told Through Light’ as part of the Christmas in the Highlands- Illuminations events.
Receive support, professional experience, and visibility throughout the process.

Are You Eligible?

To apply, you must:

Be aged 12+, residing in or around the Glen Innes Severn local government area.
Demonstrate interest in visual arts, digital media, installation art, or performance.
Commit to mentoring sessions (Sept–Nov), production work, and the final public event.
Be open to collaboration, public presentation, and creative experimentation.

Why Apply?

Gain hands-on experience in projection and live performance art.
Build your portfolio with a public-facing creative project.
Work alongside a respected inclusive arts organisation that values accessibility, innovation, and community storytelling.

How to Apply, Selection Process & Next Steps

Attend the EOI meeting and information session on from 10.00am Saturday 20 September 2025 where your EOI can be submitted
Up to 5 participants will be chosen and invited to take part of the Mentorship. Notification on Monday 22nd September
Mentorship and production will begin early October, leading to the public event from 24 November 2025 - 29 November, 2025

For more information regarding The RealArtWorks Mentorship Program

Email: sunita@realartworks.org
Subject Line: EOI – RealArtWorks Mentorship Program
Call Sunita: 0421 155 604

⭐ National Summer Art Scholarship

National Summer Art Scholarship, 2024. National Gallery of Australia. Kamberri/Canberra

Key information

Are you a young person passionate about a career in the arts?

If you are in Year 10 or equivalent, don't miss this incredible opportunity to apply for the National Summer Art Scholarship.

Highlights of the Scholarship include:

Artist-led creative workshops
Behind-the-scenes experiences at the National Gallery
Meeting National Gallery staff
Connecting with a group of peers from across Australia
Studio visits

Applications now Open!

⭐ Canva for Creatives Workshop

Join the ARRA for a hands-on workshop designed to give Aboriginal artists and creatives the skills to bring their ideas to life with Canva. Whether you’re creating posters, flyers, or social media content, this session will help you design with confidence and make your work stand out.
This workshop is open to Aboriginal artists and creatives from Regional and Remote NSW who want to strengthen their digital design skills. No previous design experience is required.

October 1st 2025, 10am - 11am via zoom

⭐ Free Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists and Arts Workers

Elevate Your Creative Practice with Expert Guidance

Are you an Aboriginal Artist or Arts Worker from Regional NSW looking to elevate your practice? Thanks to the support of Create NSW, Outback Arts and Mara Mara we are excited to offer 20 FREE mentoring sessions with Lorrayne Fishenden, valued at $140 each. This unique opportunity is part of the Dhurrali Project, dedicated to empowering and supporting Aboriginal creatives.

About the Mentoring Sessions

These sessions are designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow and succeed in your creative endeavors. Each participant can benefit from up to three sessions, ensuring a tailored and impactful experience.

Meet Your Mentor: Lorrayne Fishenden

Lorrayne Fishenden is a well known leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in community development, Aboriginal arts advocacy, and business management. Lorrayne has been a pivotal advocate for Aboriginal artists and communities across regional NSW. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultural development make her an inspiring mentor for this program.

What's Included

Each free mentoring session includes:

Personalised guidance and support from Lorrayne Fishenden
Insights into the Aboriginal arts landscape
Strategies for growth and recognition in your field
Expert advice on sustainable business practices

How to Book

Use this link https://LorrayneFishenden2Rivers.as.me/?appointmentType=65864844 to schedule a time. Don’t forget to fill in the quick questionnaire that will help Lorrayne prepare for your meeting. Remember, spots are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to take your art to new heights!

Important Information

Each session is valued at $140
Up to 3 sessions per participant
Limited to 20 sessions total

Join us in this exciting initiative to celebrate Aboriginal voices, cultivate creativity, and build a vibrant community of artists committed to sharing their stories with the world.

Apply now and embark on a transformative creative journey!

⭐ Screen NSW - Charlie’s Working Space, LA!

Screen NSW, in partnership with Australians in Film (AiF), offers NSW screen practitioners the opportunity to secure access to a dedicated co-working space at Charlie's in Los Angeles. The one free creative workspace is available for NSW based screen practitioners visiting LA to conduct business, collaborate, and network.

Successful applicants to Charlie’s will receive access to:

One desk and a writers' room with whiteboards and screens
Wi-Fi
An equipped kitchen
AiF staff.

Charlie’s is located in the Writer’s Building at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood.

⭐ Screen Australia – Industry Partnerships

This program aims to create opportunities through new, original and inclusive approaches to the industry that will expand networks and grow the Australian industry. Screen Australia will consider funding a portion of a total activity budget up to a cap of $30,000 per activity/activities conducted by an organization over the financial year.

⭐ Screen Australia – International Marketing Support: Festivals and Awards

This program aims to support the promotion of Australian content and talent at the key international festivals and awards events, enabling the enhancement of international marketing strategies in conjunction with other partners. Screen Australia will contribute to the promotional budget for eligible events generally up to $20,000 for feature films and television series and $10,000 for short films. The level of funding will be determined by a film’s individual international marketing strategy as evidenced by a comprehensive plan and budget, produced by either the sales agent or producer. Festival screenings must be the title’s world or international premiere.

⭐ Screen Australia – Distribution Support: P&A Plus

This program aims to enhance the distribution and marketing of quality Australian films across traditional and alternative release platforms. Funding can be sought to support the traditional theatrical ANZ release of completed feature films that have an established local distributor attached, or for alternative release campaigns in certain circumstances

⭐ Screen Australia – First Nations Program: Sector Development (Internships)

This program aims to assist the career development of talented screen content makers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. This is not an entry-level scheme. An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series