CASP & Microgrants
Arts North West offers auspicing services, enabling eligible individuals and groups to apply for and manage arts grants through our organisation. As an auspicing body, Arts North West provides project management guidance and maintains transparent financial records for the funded project.
Country Arts Support Program (CASP) 2026
Country Arts Support Program (CASP) 2026 | Applications Open: Monday, 3 August 2026
The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program by Arts North West and funded by Create NSW. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to support not-for-profit organisations, local councils and eligible community groups to deliver locally driven arts and cultural projects across the New England North West.CASP invests in projects that strengthen community participation, celebrate local identity and culture, engage professional artists, and create meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes for regional communities. Projects may include workshops, artist residencies, exhibitions, performances, public art, festivals with a strong arts component and other community-led creative initiatives. The program is delivered through Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs) on behalf of Create NSW.Before applying, all applicants must discuss their project with an Arts North West staff member and read the Applicant Guidelines to ensure their project meets the eligibility requirements.
KEY DATES:
2025 CASP Acquittals Due: 1 August 2026
Applications Open: Monday, 3 August 2026
Applications Close: Monday, 14 September 2026 (5.00 pm AEST)
Assessment Panel: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Applicants Notified: From Monday, 21 September 2026
Funding Agreement & Tax Invoice Due: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Project Delivery Period: 21 October 2026 – 21 October 2027
Final Acquittal Due: Monday, 22 November 2027 Before applying, please read the Applicant Guidelines to confirm your eligibility and ensure you provide all required supporting documentation. Applications are competitive, and funding is awarded through an independent assessment process.
Microgrants
Arts North West Annual Micro Grants 2026 – Round 8 Applications Open: Monday, 28 September 2026
Arts North West's Annual Micro Grants provide grants of up to $1,000 to support independent professional practising artists, community groups, arts organisations and creative businesses across the New England North West. The program invests in small-scale creative projects that strengthen artistic practice, build professional skills, increase community participation and contribute to a vibrant regional arts sector. Funding can support activities such as professional development, artist fees, workshops, exhibitions, creative development, equipment and materials, marketing, mentoring and community arts initiatives.
Projects must be delivered between 10 December 2026 and 10 December 2027.
KEY DATES:
Applications Open: Monday, 28 September 2026
Applications Close: Monday, 9 November 2026 (5.00 pm AEDT)
Assessment: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Applicants Notified: Monday, 16 November 2026
Funding Agreements & Tax Invoices Due: Thursday, 10 December 2026
Project Period: 10 December 2026 – 10 December 2027
Final Acquittal Due: Friday, 28 January 2028 Before applying, please read the Applicant Guidelines to confirm your eligibility and ensure you provide all required supporting documentation. Applications are competitive, and funding is awarded through an independent assessment process.
Many government grant programs, particularly those offered by State and Federal funding bodies, are only accessible to legally recognised entities such as incorporated associations. This can be a barrier for unincorporated community groups or individuals seeking support for creative initiatives.
To help overcome this, Arts North West offers auspicing services, enabling eligible individuals and groups to apply for and manage arts grants through our organisation.
As an auspicing body (auspicor), Arts North West provides project management guidance and maintains transparent financial records for the funded project. This ensures compliance with funding requirements and supports the successful delivery of community-based arts initiatives.
If you're planning an arts project and need auspicing support, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us via email at rado@artsnw.com.au.
Local Government Partners
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Many government grant programs, particularly those offered by State and Federal funding bodies, are only accessible to legally recognised entities such as incorporated associations. This can be a barrier for unincorporated community groups or individuals seeking support for creative initiatives.
To help overcome this, Arts North West offers auspicing services, enabling eligible individuals and groups to apply for and manage arts grants through our organisation.
As an auspicing body (auspicor), Arts North West provides project management guidance and maintains transparent financial records for the funded project. This ensures compliance with funding requirements and supports the successful delivery of community-based arts initiatives.
If you're planning an arts project and need auspicing support, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us via email at rado@artsnw.com.au.