Request for Proposals: Creative Sparks Grants Program (Australia)

The purpose of the program is to create jobs, aid economic growth, attract tourism and improve social cohesion by supporting the creative and cultural sector in Brisbane. Through strategic investments, the program aims to build capacity and resilience of the sector to contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of Brisbane.

The program uses funds to invest in creative outcomes that align with the Creative Brisbane Creative Economy strategy to cultivate Brisbane’s identity as a global city for creativity.

The program also assists artists and not-for-profit community arts and cultural organizations to create and present work. Applications are open to artists from all backgrounds and career stages working across all art forms and practices to test, develop and realize ideas that result in a creative public outcome. Council strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, artists who identify as having a disability, identify as being culturally and linguistically diverse, who are LGBTIQA+, and/or who are under 25 to apply.

Objectives

• The program aims to:
  • assist artists, arts workers, cultural workers, creative producers and Brisbane not-for-profit community arts, historical and cultural organizations to test, develop and realize ideas for local products, markets, partnerships, and new work to build the city’s creative capacity
  • support a range of diverse and accessible arts experiences to grow arts audiences and participation
  • foster opportunities for the creation and promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic endeavours
  • contribute to the creative invigoration of Brisbane.

Funding Information

• Grants of up to $15,000 per application for the creation and presentation of creative projects that are shared with the public (either online or at a venue/location within the Brisbane local government area.

Eligible Activities

• Council will accept applications for proposed activities or projects that have a creative outcome and:
  • will be presented to the public between 29 April 2025 and 24 February 2026
  • can demonstrate the artistic, cultural, social and/or economic impacts that align with the objectives and intended outcomes of the program
  • occur within the Brisbane LGA OR be able to demonstrate significant benefit to the residents of Brisbane.

Ineligible Activities

• The program will not fund and grant funds must not be used for:
  • costs associated with food and alcohol for proposed activities or projects
  • contingency costs
  • projects that do not pay recommended industry award rates for artists, arts workers and creative producers (in-kind rates must be calculated at industry standard)
  • costs associated with travel of any kind, living expenses (per diems), accommodation or touring
  • general public liability or insurance costs for the applicant or proposed activity or project
  • infrastructure costs including building or fitting out permanent structures
  • staff wages for permanent staff or for project staff positions that are planned to continue after the end of the proposed activity or project.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must:
  • be:
    • artists, arts workers, cultural workers or creative producers (individuals) or
    • not-for-profit community arts, historical or cultural organizations (organizations)
  • have a demonstrated history of professional arts or creative practice with a track record of public outcomes for their creative practice.
• Applicants applying as an individual must:
  • be 17 years of age or over at the time of submitting an application
  • if under 18 years of age, have their application co‑signed by their legal guardian, confirming they will take responsibility for managing any funding that may be offered to the applicant
  • be a resident of the Brisbane LGA
  • be a permanent resident or Australian citizen
  • have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) that is registered under the applicant’s name and location or be auspiced by an incorporated Auspice Organization.
• Applicants applying as an organization must:
  • employ Brisbane independent artists and arts workers to deliver new projects
  • have offices located within the Brisbane LGA
  • provide goods and services to residents within the Brisbane LGA
  • have an active ABN that is registered under the organization’s name and location or be auspiced by an incorporated Auspice Organization.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The program will not fund proposed activities or projects that are:
  • prizes, awards or competitions
  • fundraising ventures, including charitable events
  • school arts activities, including eisteddfods
  • conducted by a political organization or have a political purpose
  • for purchase of capital items including computers, buildings, vehicles, art making equipment and musical instruments, however, hire of equipment and purchase of art-making consumables directly related to delivery of the project may be eligible
  • for projects that are seeking the majority of funding for publishing and/or printing
  • costs for activities that have or are proposed to commence before 29 April 2025.
  • administrative and other core organizational costs not directly associated with the project
  • for the development, making or installation of public artwork or art murals
  • for the purposes of repayment of debt or loans
  • activities that are part of a certificate, degree or other study/training at university, government or private institutions
  • for activities that are for individual professional development (including attendance or speaking at conferences), mentorship, classes and workshops
  • entertainment for events without a specific developmental outcome for artists
  • for business start-up costs.

For more information, visit Brisbane City Council.