Funding and Opportunities for WA Creatives: August 2026

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.

Screenwest: Scripted Project Development Fund

Closes: 3 August 2026, 5pm AWST For: WA writers and producers developing long-form scripted content

The Scripted Project Development Fund supports WA writers and producers to develop long-form scripted content for screen-based delivery platforms. This is the core development pathway for WA scripted practitioners building projects through to market.

Visit screenwest.com.au for guidelines.

Screenwest: Industry Capacity Building Program

Closes: 3 August 2026, 5pm AWST For: WA screen industry businesses in construction, rigging, lighting and production support

Up to $1 million is on offer through this round of the Industry Capacity Building Program, targeting businesses in construction, rigging and lighting as WA’s screen industry scales to meet rising production demand following the opening of Perth Film Studios. The program is backed by the WA Government’s $11.2 million investment in screen industry workforce and infrastructure.

Apply at screenwest.com.au.

Screenwest: MIPCOM 2026 Travel Fund

Closes: 17 August 2026, 5pm AWST For: WA screen practitioners attending MIPCOM in Cannes, October 2026

Screenwest is offering travel funding for WA practitioners attending MIPCOM 2026, the world’s leading television and content market held in Cannes each October. This is a strong market access and international networking opportunity for WA producers and distributors.

Visit screenwest.com.au.

Screen Australia: Above the Line Documentary Accelerator (NEW)

Closes: 13 August 2026, 5pm AEST For: Mid-career Australian documentary producers

This is a brand-new initiative from Screen Australia, just announced. Up to 10 mid-career producers from across Australia will be selected for a three-week intensive accelerator program held in Melbourne from 1 to 20 November 2026. The program focuses on premium documentary and limited series content with global appeal, covering pitch training, masterclasses, project ideation, and audience insight sessions led by Fatima Salaria, Executive Chair of the Edinburgh TV Festival. One participant project will have the opportunity to secure a development grant from the ABC.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au.

Screen Australia: IFFI/WAVES Film Bazaar — Producer Delegation

Closes: 20 August 2026, 5pm AEST For: Australian producers with projects ready for international co-production

Screen Australia is supporting an Australian producer delegation to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and WAVES Film Bazaar in Goa. Up to $8,000 is available. This is a targeted international market opportunity for producers with projects that have co-production or international distribution potential.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for details.

Screen Australia: Emerging Gamemakers Fund

Closes: 27 August 2026, 5pm AEST For: Australian independent gamemakers, individuals and companies

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund offers grants of up to $30,000 for the development of original new projects from Australian independent gamemakers, including both prototype creation and micro-scale game completion and release. This round is open to individuals and companies, and supports creative and artistic experimentation alongside commercial development. This is directly relevant to CTV network members working in interactive media, XR and digital games.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines and to apply.

Screen Australia: Games Production Fund

Closes: 27 August 2026, 5pm AEST For: Australian independent games studios and developers

Closing on the same date as the Emerging Gamemakers Fund, the Games Production Fund offers up to $100,000 to support Australian independent games at a playable prototype or milestone development stage. Projects must be targeting a significant milestone such as a vertical slice of global competitive quality or a prototype suitable for a major accolade or showcase.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au.

Screenwest: On Demand Fund 2026

Closes: 24 August 2026, 5pm AWST For: WA digital, interactive, XR and online content creators

The On Demand Fund supports production of online series, interactive content and one-off XR projects with a well-defined narrative, made in Western Australia. Relevant across a broad range of the CTV network’s digital practitioners.

Visit screenwest.com.au.

Closing in September — prepare now

Creative Australia: Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups

Closes: 1 September 2026, 3pm AEST For: Australian individual artists and groups across all art forms

Creative Australia’s Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups program has a September round open now, with $10,000 to $50,000 available for creative projects across all art forms, nationally and internationally. Register in the Creative Australia Application Management System before 10am AEST on 31 August — registration takes up to two business days to process.

Visit creative.gov.au to apply.

Creative Australia: Arts Projects for Organisations

Closes: 1 September 2026, 3pm AEST For: Australian arts organisations

The companion program to Arts Projects for Individuals, this round offers $20,000 to $100,000 for organisations delivering arts projects, programs or services to artists. Same registration deadline applies: register before 10am 31 August.

Visit creative.gov.au.

Screen Australia: Documentary Production September 2026

Closes: 24 September 2026, 5pm AEST For: Australian documentary producers

Screen Australia’s September documentary production round is open now. This is the core national production pathway for factual and documentary projects heading to streaming, broadcast or theatrical release.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.

Ongoing — open now

WA Innovation Booster Grant

Next round: August/September 2026

The current round is closed. The next round is expected to open in August or September 2026 with up to $50,000 available for WA-based early-stage founders, innovation-driven SMEs and startups to commercialise innovative products, services and technologies. Reduced co-contribution requirements apply for regional, female and First Nations founded businesses. Now is the right time to prepare eligibility documentation and project descriptions ahead of the round opening.

Monitor wa.gov.au for confirmation of opening dates.

Screen Australia: Documentary Development

Always open

Screen Australia’s Documentary Development program is open year-round for Australian producers developing documentary and factual content. Worth a conversation with Screen Australia before developing your next project.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.

Lotterywest: Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grant

Open now — ongoing

A $45 million, three-year commitment to upgrading arts and cultural spaces, equipment and technology across WA, including $30 million specifically for arts and cultural centre refurbishment and equipment. Submit an Expression of Interest if your organisation has infrastructure or equipment needs.

Visit lotterywest.wa.gov.au.

Industry Growth Program (Federal)

Open now — ongoing

Grants of $50,000 to $5 million for innovative SMEs and startups to commercialise products and scale. Advisory support also available.

Visit industry.gov.au/IGP.

At A Glance

Employment Opportunities

Perth Festival

• Ticketing Coordinator
• People Culture Coordinator
• Engagement Manager
• Development Director
• People and Culture Director
• Chief Financial Officer

WAM (The West Australian Music Industry Association)

• Development Officer
• Program Officer
• Finanace & Admin Assistant

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.