Creative industries, WA

08/09/2026

🎬 A huge congratulations to the team behind Sweet Milk Lake for taking home the 2026 CinefestOZ Film Prize!

The winning film was written and directed by Western Australian writer, director, producer and actor Harvey Zielinshki, and was praised by the jury for its powerful perspective, emotional depth and cinematic excellence.

A fantastic achievement for Harvey, the cast and crew, and another reminder of the incredible screen talent coming out of WA.

👏 Join us in congratulating the Sweet Milk Lake team.

08/09/2026

We’ve just opened the 2026 Connecting to Country grants! Up to $25,000 is available for Aboriginal-led projects that bring people together to share cultural knowledge, strengthen leadership and maintain connections to Country.

Who should apply? Aboriginal individuals, groups and organisations, as well as organisations working closely with Aboriginal communities and demonstrating strong Aboriginal governance and leadership.

Applications close 15 October. Learn more and apply now: https://bit.ly/3SuHTqs

📷 Passing stories down to the next generations. Ngurra Kutjuwarra (On Country, Together), Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation, Great Sandy Desert, Western Australia, June 2021. Photo by Lucinda White.

03/09/2026

⏰ Just ONE WEEK remains to get your application in!

Whether you're bringing artists and educators together through Creative Learning Residencies or planning a project that promotes reconciliation through PALS, now is the time to apply.

Both programs support meaningful learning experiences that help students connect, create and explore new perspectives. Applications close soon, so don’t leave it until the last minute. 🎨📚

We’d love to speak to you about your ideas. Reach out to a grants officer on (08) 6552 7400 or email [email protected] or [email protected] if you have any questions.

📣 Two funding opportunities are now open for WA schools, creatives and community organisations.

🤝 Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) offers grants of up to $5,000 for WA schools and Department-funded kindergartens to deliver projects that promote reconciliation and deepen understanding of Aboriginal histories, cultures and perspectives.

Learn more and apply now: https://bit.ly/4fD4etd

🎨 The Creative Learning program supports partnerships between schools, artists and organisations to bring creativity into learning. Funding is available across partnerships, collaborations and residencies for eligible schools, creatives, local governments and not-for-profit organisations.

Learn more and apply now: https://bit.ly/4fJD2sY


📷 Image credit: Mount Helena Primary School

02/09/2026

WA creativity is making an impact far beyond our shores!

Congratulations to all finalists in the 2026 WA Export Awards, including those in the Creative, Lifestyle and Design category proudly sponsored by CITS:

📚 Fremantle Press
🎬 Prospero Productions

🎊 CIZZY Bridal Australia


A special congratulations also to Kirrikin, recognised as a finalist in the First Nations Exporter category.

We look forward to celebrating the businesses showcasing WA talent, innovation and creativity on the global stage.

We are proud to announce the 31 outstanding local businesses recognised as finalists in the Western Australian (WA) Export Awards 2026! 🎉

Now in its 38th year, the program celebrates local exporters that help drive economic momentum, create jobs and showcase the State’s strengths on the world stage.

This year’s finalists reflect the confidence, capability and energy of local businesses that continue to succeed in international markets.

Keep an eye on our channels as we introduce the remarkable businesses that make up our 2026 finalist cohort!

Meet our 2026 finalists here 👉 https://loom.ly/et0AD2Y

01/09/2026

🎬 CinefestOZ is underway right now, with film screenings, special events, industry conversations and plenty of opportunities to discover your next favourite film.

If you're heading to the South West or planning a day at the festival, now's the perfect time to explore the program and see what's showing.

🍿 Find your next watch: https://cinefestoz.com/sessions/

25/08/2026

The Arts Activities in Regional Communities program is now open, supporting arts and cultural activity right across regional WA!

Whether you're planning a community festival, creative workshop or locally led arts project, the Creative Projects category offers grants of up to $60,000. Regional local governments can also apply for up to $50,000 through the Creative and Cultural Planning category to develop or refresh creative and cultural plans.

It's all about creating more opportunities to participate in, access and experience arts and culture in regional communities.

Applications close 1 October 2026.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qAjVGw

Image 1: ‘Beyond Brave new Works’ project by Denmark Arts which is underway and started in February 2026. This project was supported the last round of AARC in 2025.

Image 2: Children, Young People and Community Program of the 2025 Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival, which was supported the last round of AARC.

25/08/2026

The Prize Jury for the 2026 CinefestOZ Film Prize has been announced, bringing together leading screen industry talent from Australia and New Zealand to select this year’s winner.

With a $100,000 prize on the line, the decision is in expert hands.

See the full jury line-up and shortlisted films via CinefestOZ 👇

14/08/2026

🎨 Creativity brings communities together

Registrations for AusArt Day 2026 are now open, giving artists, organisations and supporters the chance to be part of a nationwide campaign celebrating Australian creativity and the people who make it possible.

Held on Thursday 22 October 2026, AusArt Day is an opportunity to raise funds, champion the arts and show support for Australia's vibrant creative sector.

⏰ Registrations close at 3 pm (AEST) on Thursday 24 September 2026, so now is the time to get involved.

🔗Find out more and register: https://creative.gov.au/ausartday-2026

📢 Registrations for AusArt Day 2026 are now open.

Register to fundraise and be part of a nationwide, sector-wide campaign celebrating Australian creativity and its supporters on Thursday 22 October 2026. Registrations close on 3pm (AEST), Thursday 24 September.

Be part of a nationwide movement celebrating and supporting Australian creativity.

Find out more at https://creative.gov.au/ausartday-2026

14/08/2026

That’s a wrap!

Our Creative Learning Showcase at WA Museum Boola Bardip was packed with curious minds, great conversations and of course plenty of fun.

Thanks to everyone who joined us on the day. We loved seeing those “aha” moments as ideas clicked.

Want to continue your creative learning journey? Apply for one of our collaboration or residency Creative Learning Program grants.

Funding of up to $60,000 is available for eligible organisations, schools and artists.

More info is available on our website: https://bit.ly/4fJD2sY

13/08/2026

🎶 WA Music Week artist spotlight: Noah Dillon

With support through the Contemporary Music Fund, Noah toured across Europe and the UK with the John Butler Trio, performing 25 solo sets across eight countries and playing to more than 8,500 people along the way.

The tour introduced Noah's music to new audiences around the world, helped grow his online following and gave him the opportunity to create industry connections that could lead to future touring opportunities.

As we celebrate WA Music Week, Noah's journey is a reminder that local artists can take WA stories and sounds to audiences everywhere.

Who’s a WA artist you think more people should be listening to? 🎧

Image credit: Nick McKinlay