Supporting creative excellence
The Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program (ACDGP) provides support for Australia’s creative industries to embrace, engage and build people-to-people links in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The promotion of Australia’s cultural and creative industries internationally acknowledges the economic importance of the creative economy to Australia.
The 2021-22 ACDGP supports the economic and social recovery efforts of Australia’s creative industries to rebound internationally by providing funding for projects that:
create a positive and contemporary image of Australia
build people-to-people links
strengthen engagement in the Indo-Pacific and beyond
enhance markets and develop creative export opportunities internationally.
The 2021-22 ACDGP Round opened on 14 July 2021. Applications close 2.00pm (AEDT) 25 August 2021.
2021-22 ACDGP Round – Smartygrants
Multi-year funding of between $10,000 and $60,000 for up to three years is available for projects that promote Australia’s cultural and creative industries overseas; establish networks; and support ongoing collaborations and exchange.
Cultural diplomacy plays a vital role in international relations, offering unique opportunities to foster mutual understanding and build relationships. Through cultural diplomacy initiatives, DFAT strengthens Australia’s influence, reputation, reach and relationships overseas.
Cultural diplomacy shows our core values and promotes Australia as an innovative, creative, diverse and tolerant nation; and as an attractive place to live, work, study, and invest.
Priority sectors and targeted countries or regions
We will consider all applications. However, we encourage you to consider your activity and ACDGP application through the lens of the ongoing pandemic, while noting Australia’s policy priorities outlined in the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper.
Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program outcomes
Cultural diplomacy is an important tool for governments to advance Australia’s interests, soft power and influence. The ACDGP will advance Australia’s soft power and partnerships objectives by:
Supporting cultural collaboration and partnerships that build influence internationally
Promoting our economic, artistic and cultural assets to an international audience
Expanding audiences and markets
Building people-to-people links internationally
Leveraging existing partnerships and fostering engagement with key stakeholders
Supporting other DFAT programs
Influencing perceptions of Australia at home and abroad.
