Funding and Opportunities for WA Creatives: May and June 2026
Published by Creative Tech Village | May 2026
There is a lot happening in the funding landscape right now, and the next two months are particularly active for anyone working across creative industries, screen, and technology. We have pulled together the key opportunities worth knowing about, organised by deadline so you can prioritise where to put your energy.
A note before you dive in: always check the guidelines directly with each funding body before applying. Eligibility requirements, funding amounts and program conditions can change, and this list is intended as a starting point, not a substitute for your own due diligence.
Screen and Content Funding
Arts SNAP: Short Notice Activity Program
Closes: 4 June 2026
If an opportunity has come up at short notice — a residency, a conference, an international invitation — Arts SNAP exists exactly for this. The program offers up to $5,000 for regional and national activities, and up to $10,000 for international opportunities, for individual artists and creative industry professionals. It is one of the most practical and accessible programs available.
Find out more via the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (CITS).
Screen Australia: AISF Writer/Director Virtual Sessions
Closes: 21 May 2026
Screen Australia is offering $15,000 for Australian writers and directors to participate in the 2026 Australian International Screen Forum (AISF) virtual sessions. This is a strong professional development and international industry connection opportunity, particularly relevant for mid-career practitioners looking to grow their profile and networks.
Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.
Screen Australia: Documentary Production — June 2026 Round
Closes: 18 June 2026
Screen Australia’s June documentary production round is open for factual and documentary projects heading to streaming, broadcast, or theatrical release. This is one of the core pathways for Australian documentary producers.
Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.
Screenwest: Tele Navigator Initiative 2026
Closes: 22 June 2026
The Tele Navigator Initiative is designed for WA writers, directors and/or producers with scripted television concepts that can be produced in Western Australia. Up to six teams will be selected to participate in a development workshop with leading Australian TV producers, with a focus on making projects market ready. Following the workshop, up to two teams receive further development funding.
If you have a TV concept ready to be shaped, this is the program for it. Apply through the Screenwest SmartyGrants portal.
Screenwest: Scripted Project Development Fund and Matched Scripted TV Production Fund
Closes: 30 June 2026
Two core Screenwest funds are open until end of financial year. The Scripted Project Development Fund supports WA writers, directors and producers to develop scripted and documentary projects. The Matched Scripted Television Production Fund supports production of scripted television. Both close 30 June 2026 (AWST).
Visit screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives to review guidelines and apply.
Screenwest: On Demand Fund 2026
Closes: 24 August 2026
The On Demand Fund supports production of online, interactive, virtual reality and multi-platform projects with a strong narrative and a defined audience. This is one of the most relevant Screenwest programs for network members working in digital storytelling, interactive content, and XR. With a closing date in August, there is time to develop a strong application — but it is worth starting now.
Visit screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives to review guidelines and apply.
Screen Australia: Skip Ahead
Open now | In-person workshop: 28–30 July 2026, Sydney
Skip Ahead is a joint initiative of Screen Australia and YouTube Australia, now in its tenth funding round. Up to five projects will be funded, with up to $130,000 available per project. The program supports Australian YouTube content creators developing original documentary or scripted narrative content, where the creator retains control of self-distribution. Successful applicants must be available to attend a three-day workshop in Sydney in late July.
Past recipients include some of Australia’s most successful independent content makers. If you have a channel and a compelling project, the guidelines are worth a careful read.
Creative Industry Funding
Creative Australia: Arts Projects for Individuals, Groups and Organisations
Closes: 2 June 2026
Creative Australia’s Arts Projects grants close 2 June 2026 across both the individual and organisation categories. Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000, supporting activities across all art forms including emerging and experimental arts and multi-arts practice. This round also includes Creative Australia Fellowships of $80,000 for established artists and arts workers, supporting up to two years of creative and professional development activity.
Find out more via Creative Australia
Lotterywest: Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grant
Open now — ongoing
Lotterywest is committing $45 million over three years to arts and culture infrastructure across Western Australia, including $30 million targeted at refurbishment and equipment for arts and cultural spaces. If your organisation is looking to upgrade facilities, equipment or technology to better deliver arts and cultural activity, this is worth a direct conversation with Lotterywest. Eligible organisations are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest.
Visit Lotterywest to find out more.
Lotterywest: Grassroots Community-Led Grants
Open year-round
For community-focused projects that do not fit neatly into other funding categories, the Lotterywest Grassroots stream is worth knowing about. Applications are open year-round to not-for-profit organisations and local governments, with priority areas that include connected cultural experiences and smart, innovative communities.
Visit Lotterywest to find out more.
Technology and Innovation Funding
Industry Growth Program (Federal)
Open now — ongoing
The federal Industry Growth Program remains open for innovative startups and high-growth SMEs looking to commercialise their products and scale. Early-Stage Commercialisation grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, while Commercialisation and Growth grants go from $100,000 up to $5 million. The program also includes advisory support, which is valuable even before a formal application.
For network members developing creative technology platforms, digital products, or tools with clear commercial potential, this is one of the most accessible federal pathways available.
Visit industry.gov.au/IGP.
WA Innovation Booster Grant
Next round: August/September 2026 — prepare now
The current round of the WA Innovation Booster Grant has closed, but the next round is expected in August/September 2026 and is worth preparing for now. The grant supports early-stage founders, innovation-driven SMEs and startups in Western Australia to build capability and commercialise innovative products, services or technologies. Eligible uses include research and development, product development, IP protection, and commercialisation support services.
For network members at the early stage of building a creative technology product or business, this is an important program to understand ahead of the next round opening.
Visit wa.gov.au/niif for more information.
At A Glance
Opportunity | Who it is for | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Australia: AISF Virtual Sessions | Writers / Directors | 21 May 2026 |
| Creative Australia: Arts Projects and Fellowships | All creatives | 2 June 2026 |
| Arts SNAP | Individual artists | 4 June 2026 |
| Screen Australia: Documentary Production | Documentary producers | 18 June 2026 |
| Screenwest: Tele Navigator | WA TV creators | 22 June 2026 |
| Screenwest: Scripted Dev + TV Production | WA producers | 30 June 2026 |
| Screen Australia: Skip Ahead | YouTube creators | Open now |
| Screenwest: On Demand Fund | Digital / XR / online | 24 August 2026 |
| Lotterywest: Arts Infrastructure | Arts organisations | Ongoing |
| Lotterywest: Grassroots | Community / not-for-profit | Ongoing |
| Industry Growth Program | Creative tech SMEs | Ongoing |
| WA Innovation Booster Grant | WA startups / SMEs | Aug/Sep 2026 (next round) |
CTV curates funding updates relevant to our network as part of our commitment to keeping WA’s creative technology community informed and connected. Have a funding opportunity you think we should know about? Get in touch.
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