Released 08/10/2025
The ACT Government has launched a new funding initiative to support Canberra’s creative sector and strengthen the city’s future bid to become a UNESCO City of Design.
The City of Design Project Fund will support artists, designers, arts and cultural organisations, and creative businesses to deliver high-quality projects that showcase design excellence and contribute to Canberra’s reputation as a globally recognised design capital.
Minister for the Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson, said the fund is a strategic investment in Canberra’s creative future.
“Canberra is a city shaped by design, from its urban planning to its vibrant creative community. This fund is about celebrating that identity, supporting our talented designers and artists, and positioning Canberra on the world stage,” Minister Pettersson said.
“This fund will support Canberra’s bid to become a UNESCO City of Design. This would not only boost our creative economy but also foster cultural exchange, community pride, and innovation across sectors.”
The fund offers $300,000 per year for two years and includes two funding streams:
- Major Projects: Grants from $5,000 to $50,000 for ambitious, high-quality activities that align with the Fund’s aims and may be presented as part of the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival.
- Smaller Projects: Grants of up to $5,000 for projects that contribute to the Festival or Canberra’s global design identity.
The 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, presented by one of Australia’s longest-running visual arts membership organisations, will run from 5 to 15 November 2026.
The Festival theme, ‘Dissent’, invites creatives to explore design as a tool for challenging norms and fostering critical dialogue. The ACT Government and Craft + Design Canberra entered a multiyear funding agreement for the festival earlier this year. The ACT Government is providing the festival $300,000 per year for two years.
Eligible activities include exhibitions, public artworks, workshops, performances, talks, tours, and more.
Applications for both funding streams open today (8 October 2025). Major Project applications close on 3 December 2025, while Smaller Project applications will remain open until 1 April 2027 or until funds are exhausted.
For more information and to apply, visit arts.act.gov.au/funding/city-of-design-project-fund.
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Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases