Climate Action Arts Grants Program 2026

Climate Action Arts Grants Program is a pilot funding program inviting artists across the Northern Rivers to create bold, thoughtful and imaginative community engaged projects responding to climate crisis.

This initiative from Ingrained Foundation with Arts Northern Rivers as delivery partner, seeks to support artists and arts organisations across all artforms to engage in meaningful conversations about environmental futures, inspire public engagement, awareness and action on climate change.

The program offered a total of $40,000 in funding, with grants of $5,000 to $20,000 for projects that connect people and place, spark curiosity, and encourage our communities to think, feel and act differently in response to the ecological challenges we face. The program also encourages environmentally responsible practices in the development and delivery of funded projects. 

“The grants support artists to engage the community in conversation and action around climate change in ways that are accessible, inspiring and impactful,” Jasmin Daly – Ingrained Foundation

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Project Timeline (now closed)

The Climate Action Arts Grants Program applications opened in February 2026 and closed in March. A series of opportunities for artists to learn more about the program and strengthen their applications were hosted, including a public launch and regional information sessions.

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Launch Event

The program was launched by the Ingrained Foundation with a panel discussion on 25 February 2026 at Stone and Wood Brewery, bringing together artists, organisations and community members to explore the role of arts in climate response.

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Information Sessions

In early March, Arts Northern Rivers hosted one-on-one, in-person information sessions across the region. These sessions offered artists an opportunity to seek advice on project ideas and the application process, and to connect with the program team.

Sessions were held in Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Grafton, Casino and Murwillumbah.

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This initiative replaced the Arts Northern Rivers CASP devolved funding from Create NSW and is open to individuals, groups and not-for-profit organisations living and practising in the Northern Rivers, NSW.

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Successful Projects

The following projects will be delivered in the Northern Rivers between June 2026 and February 2027, all catalysing climate action in the region.

•               Nell Schofield | The Norma Gunghoe Show

•               Simon Jankelson | The Human Sound Project

•               Esk Studio | Carbon, Creativity and Collapse

•               Heather Matthew | Dear World

•               Liv Enquist | Love Letters to the Land

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This was a very competitive funding round with strong applications from all 7 LGA’s in the region reflecting the Northern Rivers’ vibrant creative sector and strong community commitment to environmental leadership.

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This is a terrific initiative! ANR is looking forward to supporting the artists over the coming months and championing these new works seeded, supported and presented in our region. Rosie Dennis, Executive Director, Arts Northern Rivers.