ASEAN-Australia Centre Grants 2026-27: Creative industry and cultural connections

The ASEAN-Australia Centre's 2026-27 grants round includes a stream for creative industry and cultural connections, which builds trust, understanding and collaboration through creative and cultural engagement with Southeast Asia.

Stream 2 supports creative industry exchanges, residencies and capacity-building; professional development, skills sharing and creative collaboration; and initiatives that support export pathways and market development for arts workers, businesses and organisations.

Grants range from $50,000 to $200,000 for one year, or $100,000 to $400,000 over two years. Every project must involve at least two Southeast Asian countries and clearly name its Southeast Asian partners. Applicants need an ABN and an Australian bank account, and can be incorporated organisations, not-for-profits, councils, consortia or individuals. Applications from First Nations Australians, women-led organisations, people with diverse abilities and Australians of Southeast Asian heritage are strongly encouraged.

Applications close at 1pm AEDT on Wednesday 28 October 2026 and are made through SmartyGrants. Enquiries to the Centre must arrive by 5pm AEDT on Tuesday 27 October at aseanaustraliacentre.grants@dfat.gov.au.

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