Northern Territory Government supports arts sector with $7.9 million grants

The Northern Territory Government is supporting local artists, art workers and organisations create, perform and show-case their work, from remote communities to the world stage via  $7.93 million in Arts Grants.

At the heart of the 2025-26 program is the new Touring the Territory and Export Ready Fund, providing grants of up to $20,000 to take performances, exhibitions and projects into regional and remote communities, as well as to interstate and international audiences.

This means more Territorians will experience world-class local art close to home, while export-ready artists will be supported to break into new national and global markets.

NT Minister for Arts, Jinson Charls said the investment was a game-changer for the sector and noted “the Arts Grants Program supports artists at every stage of their careers, strengthens our cultural economy and brings people together through shared artistic experiences.

“In our year of action, certainty and security, we are opening new pathways for Territory artists - from touring work to remote communities, to showcasing export-ready projects on national and international stages. These opportunities not only grow audiences but also help raise the profile of Territory art and culture across Australia and the world.

Supporting emerging talent remains a priority in 2025-26 through the NXT Gen Arts category, which provides structured placements with Territory arts organisations for artists aged 18–25.

For the first time, the program will include a 10-year longitudinal study tracking the career development of participants. One placement will also be reserved for a finalist of the Exit Art Award - offering a direct pathway from school achievement to a professional arts career.

Minister Charls added “through NXT Gen Arts we’re backing the next generation, while Creative Fellowships will sup-port mid-career and established artists. Together, these initiatives will nurture talent, celebrate diversity and enrich our communities for years to come.”

In 2024–25, the Arts Grants Program invested $7.849 million in 201 activities, involving 66 artists, 29 arts workers and 106 arts organisations across every region of the NT. The 2025–26 program builds on this success, shaped by direct consultation with the sector, including the 2024 Meeting of Arts Professionals.

Applications for the 2025–26 Arts Grants Program are open today through GrantsNT and guidelines will be available at www.nt.gov.au/artsgrants.

Image top. Darwin Symphony Orchestra NT Tour 2025, Grand opening of Balang T.E. Lewis Amphitheatre at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre, Katherine - Arts Projects Grant; Image below: Bula’bula Arts, L-R Marcia Malibir arts worker, Mary Dhapalany weaver, Coby Edgar visiting curator and Evonne Munyngu weaver (collecting pandanus) Art Equipment Grant.