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Country Arts Support Program (CASP)

Are you an individual artist looking to level up your creative practice in 2026? 

 

Are you a group or collective with a creative project in the works? 

 

The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program funded by Create NSW and managed by South East Arts.

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2026 CASP
applications
have closed

What is CASP? 

 

The aim of the Country Arts Support Program is to support community arts and cultural development in regional NSW through small grants that: 

  • Assist locally determined community arts and cultural activities. 

  • Increase opportunities for regionally-based groups to access a diverse range of arts programs. 

  • Enable communities to explore and express their cultural identities. 

  • Bring social and economic benefits to the community through training, employment and promotional opportunities. 

  • Lead to greater awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity. 

  • Increase the sustainability and resilience of regionally based community arts organisations. 

 

Create NSW’s objective for this program is to support community arts and cultural development in regional NSW through small grants that: 

  • Assist locally determined community arts and cultural activities 

  • Increase opportunities for regionally based groups to access a diverse range of arts programs 

  • Enable communities to explore and express their cultural identities 

2026 applications closed

Key Dates for 2026: 

 

  • Opens: 16 December 2025

  • Closes: Saturday, 31 January 2026, 11.45pm 

  • Successful applicants notified:
    28 February 2026 

  • Projects to commence:
    After 1 March 2026 

  • Projects finalised and acquittals due: 28 February 2027 ​​

Funding available: 

 

A total of $17,000 funding pool will be allocated as:

  • 4 grants of $3,000 for larger artistic projects based in the South East Arts region. 

  • 5 grants of $1,000 for professional development or the realisation/presentation of an artistic outcome based in the South East Arts region. 

​​How do I apply? 

 

Applications closed on 31 January 2026. If you have any questions regarding your application, please email ed@southeastarts.org.au  

Applications are assessed based on their ability to address the funding objectives and eligibility criteria outlined on the application form.   

 

Eligibility:  

 

Individuals must: 
  • Reside within one of the Local Government Areas under South East Arts (Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and/or Snowy Monaro) 

  • Have an ABN 

  • Consent to be featured on the South East Arts Artist Directory 

  • Propose a creative activity that will substantially take place within the South East Arts region, or in the case of professional development, it must support an outcome that will take place in our region. 

 

Community groups must: 
  • Be an incorporated entity, or 

  • Be a group, partnership or company whose project can be auspiced by an incorporated entity, or 

  • Be a 355 Committee or volunteer-run facility of Local Government. 

  • Propose a creative activity that will substantially take place within the South East Arts region, or in the case of professional development, it must support an outcome that will take place in our region. 

 

 Funding restrictions: 

 

  • Prize money or gifts 

  • Expenses which are already covered by an organisation's existing funding (e.g. existing worker salaries) 

  • Illegal activities 

  • Works or projects of an offensive nature 

IMAGE on right:
2025 CASP Recipient - 2025 Candelo Village Festival.
Photo by Marcus Ward Curran

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Previously funded CASP projects: 

CASP

2025

Bega All-Ages Development band (BAAD Band) and Complete Beginner Program

The Bega District Band will sustain its Bega All-Ages Development band (BAAD Band) and launch a Complete Beginner Program, providing music education and performance opportunities. Through accessible music programs, the band will enhance community engagement, social connections and cultural enrichment.

CASP

2025

Unordinary Avenue - Candelo Village Festival 2025

'Unordinary Avenue' will feature a series of collaborative art making projects and spaces along William Street as a flagship event in the 2025 Candelo Village Festival on 29 March 2025. The event will be coordinated by artist Rae Kennedy, who draws on a wealth of experience in community arts practice. 

CASP

2025

Pop up exhibition at Snug Cove - Eden Sculpture Walk

Eden Community Access Centre is working collaboratively with Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council to coordinate a popup exhibition of local sculptures at Snug Cove, Eden. This initial stage of broader ambitions, including Eden Sculpture Walk, workshops, mentoring and permanent installations will demonstrate proof of concept towards a larger project.

CASP

2025

Take the Pressure Down 2025

A transformative project that demystifies pathways into careers in the arts. By connecting youth with professional artists, we can showcase the diverse journeys people take into careers, inspire creative futures, and catalyse meaningful connections between emerging and established artists.

CASP

2025

record an album

we will record an album

CASP

2025

Celebrating Creativity and Abilities: Art for All

Celebrating Creativity and Abilities: Art for All on the Monaro (CAM) is a community led art exhibition program to build and share the artistic skills of Monaro residents with disabilities and their carers. Workshops will support participants to develop their artistc skills which will then be on public display in local libraries for the whole community to enjoy.

CASP

2025

The Songcrafters

Theatre Onset will bring their original musical extravaganza, "The Songcrafters" to life on stage in the Bega Valley in 2025. Featuring a cast of largery youth actors with a band of professional musicians supporting them, directed by an experienced director. This is an exciting and ambitious project for Theatre Onset.

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