Funding and Opportunities for WA Creatives: July 2026

The new financial year brings a fresh wave of funding opportunities, with several major programs reopening from 1 July and a number of key deadlines sitting across July and August. Whether you work in screen, music, games, digital content, or creative technology more broadly, the next two months are worth your attention.

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

Screen Australia: Digital Originals 2026

Closes: 2 July 2026

A joint initiative of Screen Australia, SBS and NITV, Digital Originals supports underrepresented Australian creatives to develop short-form scripted series. Up to ten teams will be selected for a workshop in Sydney (27 to 29 October), with up to five progressing to further development and up to three receiving production funding and commissioning. If you have a distinctive scripted concept that aligns with the SBS Charter, this is a strong entry point into the screen industry.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.

Screenwest: Open Any Time Funds Reopen 1 July

Reopen: 1 July 2026

Several Screenwest funding programs that temporarily closed on 30 June for end of financial year processing reopen on 1 July. These include the Emergency Development Investment Fund, First Nations Low Budget Television Fund, Travel Fund, First Nations Project Development, Matched Development Investment Fund and Matched Scripted TV Production Fund. If you were preparing an application ahead of the EOFY closure, these will be accessible again via the SmartyGrants portal from the start of the new financial year.

Visit screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives to review guidelines and apply.

Screenwest: Local Production Fund

Closes: 20 July 2026

Screenwest’s Local Production Fund provides grant finance for high-profile, market-driven scripted feature films, telemovies and series. Applications close 5pm AWST on 20 July. This is a core production funding pathway for experienced WA producers with projects that have significant marketplace attachment.

Visit screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives/production-funding for guidelines.

Screen Australia: Short Film Production

Closes: 30 July 2026

Screen Australia’s Narrative Content Short Film Production program supports teams (director, writer, producer and, where applicable, animator) to make live action or animated short films intended for theatrical festival release. Funding ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 for live action and up to $125,000 for animated or hybrid shorts, with a maximum production budget of $175,000. Successful teams will also receive professional mentorship from established directors. The first four projects funded through this new program included WA First Nations filmmakers behind “Sundowner”, mentored by Beck Cole.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.

Screen Australia: Skip Ahead

Open now | In-person workshop: 28 to 30 July 2026, Sydney

As flagged last month, Skip Ahead remains open. This joint initiative of Screen Australia and YouTube Australia supports up to five projects with up to $130,000 each. The program is for Australian YouTube content creators developing original documentary or scripted narrative content where the creator retains control of self-distribution. Successful applicants must attend a three-day workshop in Sydney in late July.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au/fund/skip-ahead for guidelines.

Screenwest: On Demand Fund 2026

Closes: 24 August 2026

The On Demand Fund supports production of online series and one-off XR projects made in Western Australia. This is one of the most directly relevant Screenwest programs for network members working in digital storytelling, interactive content, immersive experiences and XR. With a closing date in August, now is the time to refine your application.

Visit screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives/production-funding for guidelines.

Screenwest: Western Australian Regional Screen Fund

Open any time (by discussion)

The WA Regional Screen Fund guidelines were updated in March 2026. WARSF provides grant finance for productions that encourage regional screen industry activity, build local skills and capacity, increase employment opportunities, and showcase regional locations. Applications can be made at any time after discussion with and approval by the Screenwest Program Manager.

Visit screenwest.com.au for guidelines.

Games Funding

Screen Australia: Games Production Fund

Closes: 27 August 2026

The Games Production Fund provides grants of up to $100,000 to support the production of original Australian independent games with budgets of up to $500,000. Projects should already have an early-stage prototype. This program sits alongside the Emerging Gamemakers Fund and has already supported several WA-connected projects. For anyone developing a game that is past the concept stage, this is one of the most significant funding pathways available.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.

Screen Australia: Emerging Gamemakers Fund

Closes: 27 August 2026

The Emerging Gamemakers Fund offers grants of up to $30,000 for the creation of a prototype or completion of a micro-scale game. It is designed for emerging independent games practitioners as well as established gamemakers exploring creative experimentation. If you are at the ideation or pre-production stage, this is a strong starting point.

Visit screenaustralia.gov.au for guidelines.

Creative Industry Funding

Creative Australia: Arts and Disability Initiative

Closes: 7 July 2026

Grants of $30,000 are available for d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers to develop new work, build practice, skills and networks. Applicants can also apply for up to $3,000 in additional access costs. This is a significant program with assessment panels that include d/Deaf and disabled peers.

Find out more via Creative Australia.

Creative Australia: Music Export and Touring

Closes: 7 July 2026

Two Music Australia programs close on 7 July. The Export Development Fund offers up to $75,000 in matched funding for international tours and performances by Australian contemporary music artists. The International Promotional Activities fund offers up to $10,000 in matched funding for international promotional and content creation activities. Both are matched funding programs.

Find out more via Creative Australia.

Regional Arts Fund: Project Grants (WA)

Opens: 6 July 2026 | Closes: 17 August 2026

This is a particularly important one for our regional network. The Regional Arts Fund Project Grants support high-quality arts projects benefiting regional or remote artists, arts workers, audiences and communities. Grants of up to $30,000 are available. The WA round opens 6 July and closes 17 August, administered by Regional Arts WA. Applicants must be based in locations classified as MM2 or above under the Modified Monash Model. For the best chance at success, contact Regional Arts WA to discuss your eligibility and application before submitting.

Visit regionalartswa.org.au/funding for guidelines.

Creative Australia: Record Label Marketing and Manufacturing Grants

Closes: 4 August 2026

Matched funding of up to $10,000 for smaller Australian-owned labels, label services and distribution companies. Supports marketing, promotion, manufacturing and distribution costs. A companion program to the Record Label Development Scheme. If you operate a label or are self-releasing, this is worth reviewing.

Find out more via Creative Australia.

Lotterywest: Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grant

Open now, ongoing

As flagged previously, 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, this is worth a direct conversation with Lotterywest via 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 remains 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

WA Innovation Booster Grant

Next round: August/September 2026, prepare now

The next round of the Innovation Booster Grant is planned for August/September 2026. The IBG is funded through the $40 million New Industries and Innovation Fund (2025 to 2029) and administered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (DEED). Grants of up to $50,000 support early-stage founders, innovation-driven SMEs and startups in WA to refine, test, protect, validate and certify their innovation. Matched funding requirements have been reduced for regional, female and First Nations-founded businesses. If you are developing a creative technology product or business, now is the time to prepare your application materials and review the 2026 guidelines on the WA Government website.

Visit wa.gov.au/niif for more information.

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.

At A Glance

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.