Public Art and Culture Grants 2026 – 27

The purpose of this this grant program is to provide support to local not-for-profit organisations, community groups, artists and educational institutions seeking financial support for public arts and cultural projects.

Applicants may apply for up to $3,000 per public art and cultural project. The City of Holdfast Bay has allocated $10,000 per financial year to the Public Arts and Cultural Grants program. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Open to individuals, artists, organisations and incorporated associations 
• Schools and early learning centres are eligible to apply if the initiative has an identified benefit to the wider community outside of the school environment. 

 Assessment criteria 

• Alignment to City of Holdfast Bay Our Holdfast 2050+ strategic plan 
• Strengthening a sense of community belonging and pride 
• Enhancing community participation 
• Contribute to the vibrancy of the public realm 
• Celebrate creative expression and strengthen community connections 
• Fostering social and cultural diversity   
• Matched or additional funding towards the project will be looked upon favourably 

Eligible expenditure 

Expenditure must be directly related to the proposed activity and may include: 

• Advertising and printing costs 
• Artist and contractor fees 
• Equipment hire  
• Consumables 
• Event registration fees 
• Council fees and charges  
• Insurance. 

Council may at its discretion request quotes or other documentary evidence supporting the amount requested. 

Ineligible projects and expenditure 

•  Activities that have already commenced 
• Groups/organisations/individuals with outstanding acquittals from previous Council grants 
• Activities that will take place outside of the City of Holdfast Bay Council boundary 
• Fundraising or sponsorship 
• Salaries or wages 
• Travel costs 
• Education or conference costs 
• Political activity, proselytising, or lobby groups 
• Ongoing expenses not directly related to the public art or cultural project 
• A purpose were core funding rests with state or federal government 
• Activities already receiving financial support from Council. 

1. Announcement: The City of Holdfast Bay will announce the availability of grants through our public facing website and social media platforms.  
2. Application Form: Applicants must complete the designated ‘Smarty Grants’ application form, which will be made accessible via our public facing website. and/or available for pick-up at the Brighton Civic Centre, 24 Jetty Road, Brighton. 
3. Submission Deadline: Grants will open between 3 June - 23 August 2026. It is expected that grants will be for activities taking place in the 2026/27 financial year, however funding for activities that commence in one financial year but are not completed until the following financial year will be considered.  
4. Application Review: A review comprising representatives from relevant departments or stakeholders will assess grant applications based on predetermined criteria, including alignment with the council's strategic objectives, potential community impact, feasibility, and budgetary considerations.  
5. Notification: Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their grant application within a four-week timeframe following the review process. Successful applicants will receive either approval of the grant or in some cases, a grant agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of funding. 
6. Disbursement: Upon acceptance of the grant approval/agreement, funds will be disbursed to successful applicants in accordance with the agreed-upon schedule and payment terms. 

1. Monitoring: Depending on the type of grant, recipients of grants may be required to adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the grant approval/agreement. The City of Holdfast Bay may conduct periodic monitoring to assess the progress and impact of funded projects. 
2. Reporting: If required, grant recipients must submit regular progress reports detailing project milestones, expenditures, and outcomes as specified in the grant agreement. 
3. Acknowledgement: The Council is to be acknowledged as a supporter of the activity on all publicity and promotional activity (where applicable).  
4. Evaluation: Upon project completion, grant recipients are expected to submit a final report summarising the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Evaluation findings will inform future grant allocation decisions. 
5. Acquittal: Projects must be completed, and funding acquitted within 12 months, unless an extension is approved in writing. Any funding that has not been acquitted within the allocated timeframe without prior approval will make that group or organisation ineligible for any future funding in any grant category. 

For enquiries regarding the public arts, and culture grants program, applicants may contact the Arts and Culture Coordinator within the City of Holdfast Bay on 0407 605 616 or mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au.

Public Arts: Creative expressions and endeavours encompassing visual arts, such as performing arts, sculptural works, paste ups, multimedia projections or mural artworks.  

Cultural Projects: Exhibitions, performances, multimedia productions, cultural programs, and arts initiatives that celebrate diversity, and contribute to a vibrant cultural and / or inclusive artistic community.