Create NSW

04/09/2026

Sydney Fringe is underway, bringing independent artists and creative voices to stages and venues across Sydney.

This year’s program spans theatre, comedy, music, dance, cabaret, circus and more. It also features locally made work, First Nations storytelling, and work by d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.

Create NSW is proud to support Sydney Fringe and the independent artists who make the festival possible. Explore the program and discover what is on: https://sydneyfringe.com/whats-on/



Image credits: Daniel Boud
Black Widow - Isabel Knight - Sydney Fringe Festival 2026
Elaine Crombie - Sydney Fringe Festival 2026
Frumpus - Sydney Fringe Festival 2026
Sydney Fringe Festival 2026 Sydney Metro

02/09/2026

Final call for emerging visual artists in NSW.

Applications for the 2027 NSW Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging) close at 2 pm on Monday 14 September 2026.

Up to 6 applicants will be shortlisted to present work in an exhibition at Artspace in July 2027.

Shortlisted applicants will receive an artist fee and curatorial support. One shortlisted applicant will receive a $30,000 Fellowship to undertake a self-directed professional development program.

Check the eligibility requirements and submit your application before the deadline: https://ow.ly/lxtz50ZHxHL

The program is administered by Create NSW, with curatorial and exhibition support from Artspace.

Image credit: Charles Levi, Q Pose, (detail), 2025. Installation view, Artspace, Sydney, 2026. Photo: Hamish McIntosh

02/09/2026

More authors and illustrators are coming to regional and rural NSW through LitUp in 2027.

With support from Create NSW, the program is expanding access to live literature, with 86 organisations across 22 NSW communities taking part.

LitUp's partnership model brings schools, libraries, bookshops and community venues together to host multiple local events, giving more people the chance to meet Australian authors and illustrators.

See the participating communities and learn more:

A live literature initiative supporting author events in Australian schools and communities LitUp is a live literature initiative from Australia Reads, providing opportunities for more Australian schools and communities to host events with authors and illustrators. Live literature events provide ric...

01/09/2026

Planning an arts or cultural tour across regional NSW?

Applications are now open for 2026 Regional Arts Touring Round 2.

The program supports individual artists, arts and cultural workers, groups and organisations to share work with regional audiences. It helps bring diverse arts and cultural experiences to more communities across NSW.

Read the guidelines, check your eligibility and apply: https://ow.ly/C9Yc50ZHwA7

Image credit: The Girl Who Glows, Created by Jo Turner and Zeeko.

17/08/2026

Are you an emerging NSW fashion or textile designer or business ready to take the next step?

Applications are now open for the Create NSW Quick Response Fashion Grant Program.

Eligible applicants can apply for up to $10,000 (excluding GST) to purchase essential fashion and textile equipment or undertake professional development.

The program has $500,000 available across four Tranches, with applications assessed monthly. for eligible First Nations, Western Sydney and regional NSW applicants.

Before applying, read the program guidelines and check the eligibility requirements, eligible costs and relevant Tranche dates.

Learn more and apply through the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/2026-27-quick-response-fashion-grant-program

Please share this opportunity with NSW fashion and textile practitioners in your community.

Image credit: Ngali- Lucas Dawson

The Quick Response Fashion Grant Program is an initiative of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy 2025–2028. It supports emerging NSW fashion and textile designers and businesses.

14/08/2026

Congratulations to 33 emerging fashion creatives across NSW who will share around $300,000 through Create NSW’s new Quick Response Fashion Grants Program.

Grants of up to $10,000 will help recipients buy essential equipment, travel to new markets and take part in professional development.

The supported projects include runway work, exhibitions, international development and equipment to help creative businesses grow.

Read the full announcement: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/create-nsw/news/qrfg-25-26-outcomes

Image Credits: 1-4
Vintage 2025, Created by Nehma Vitols, Image by Ginette Guidolin
Gali Swimwear – Lukarrara Pink by Paul Napangardi Gallagher, Model Trent Owers. Image Jose Yutiu
Women of the Rivers Collective (l-r) Val Smith, Kylie Caldwell and Jasmin Stanford. Image Kate Holmes
Tarni Eastwood. Image Garry Trinh

13/08/2026

Applications are now open for the Western Sydney Community Festivals Program.

The new $1 million program will support four community festivals in Western Sydney to strengthen their arts and cultural programming, showcase artists and reach new audiences.

Applications close Wednesday 9 September 2026.

Read the guidelines and apply: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/2026-27-western-sydney-community-festivals-program

Please share this opportunity with festival organisers and arts and cultural networks across Western Sydney.

Image: Diwali Street Festival Wentworthville Image Destination NSW

12/08/2026

New doors are open at Varuna.

The new Varuna Reading Room in the Blue Mountains, on Dharug and Gundungurra Country, is an accessible, year-round home for author talks, workshops, writing groups and community programs.

The space will bring writers, readers and communities together while protecting the quiet of Varuna's historic house for writers in residence.

Supported by investment through WestInvest, now the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, alongside Varuna's contribution, the Reading Room will help more people connect through stories and participate in arts and culture.

Congratulations to the Varuna team, the Eleanor Dark Foundation and everyone involved.

Image credit 1 & 2: Maja Baska, Image credit 3 & 6: Patrick Boland

11/08/2026

Congratulations to Queanbeyan-raised author, poet and visual artist Omar Musa, who has won the 2026 Miles Franklin Literary Award for his novel Fierceland.

Omar’s career spans literature, poetry, performance, music and visual art. His win is a proud moment for Queanbeyan and the wider NSW arts community.

Create NSW is also proud to support the development of his new book, The V**e Lord of Queanbeyan.

Image 1 credit: Boyz Bieber
Image 2 credit: Cole Bennetts

04/08/2026

Good luck on your internship Tom!

Welcome to PYT Tom ✨

Today marked the first day of having Tom North at PYT Fairfield as part of the Createability Internship program through Create NSW.

Tom will be in working closely with our new 2026 Company as Associate Producer up until they present their new work at the end of the year, so if you see him around make sure to say hi!