NXT Gen ARTS grants

Through the NXT Gen ARTS Grants, you can get funding to do a work experience placement with an NT arts organisation or approved creative industry business.

This grant gives young people practical experience in the creative industries and helps them find jobs in the NT arts and culture sector.

Funding available

Individuals aged 17 to 25 can apply for up to $13,000 per financial year:

• $10,000 for the early career artist
• $3,000 for the host organisation.

You can be 17 when applying but must be 18 to begin your placement.

Who can apply

To be eligible:

• you must read and meet the guidelines and eligibility requirements
• be aged 17 to 25 years at the time of applying
• submit a written placement plan, developed with and endorsed by the host organisation - contact Arts NT for potential hosts
• complete a continuous, full-time placement over 3 months
  • part-time placements may be considered if completed within 6 months
• ensure the placement totals 400 hours
• must not be an employee of the host organisation
  • casual employees may be eligible if the placement involves different duties and casual work continues separately.

What you will get

Manage yourself as a professional artist:

• develop a professional resume, biography and social media profile
• understand cultural safety, health and wellbeing management.

Arts management - the business of being an artist:

• access the Australian Government's Creative Workplaces information and resources
• understand workplace laws, employment award and conditions, and the Fair Work system
• learn budgeting, invoicing and project financial management
• apply for, manage and acquit grants, and learn to seek sponsorship or philanthropic support
• grow the project management skills necessary to develop and deliver an arts project
• understand intellectual property, copyright, licensing and required insurances.

Arts industry - participation and contribution:

• connect with industry bodies, awards and grant programs to stay informed
• build networks, collaborate and take up professional development opportunities.

How to apply

Round 1 applications:

• open on 1 October 2026
• close at 2pm on 2 November 2026.

Round 2 applications:

• open on 15 February 2027
• close at 2pm on 15 March 2027.

Apply online at GrantsNT

If you do not have a host, submit an expression of interest (EOI) to Arts NT. They will help match you with a host.

NXT Gen ARTS artists expression of interest form PDF (520.3 KB)
NXT Gen ARTS artists expression of interest form   DOCX (75.1 KB)

After you apply

Applications are assessed by a panel.

Round 1 applications:

• You will be notified of your application outcome from 14 December 2026.
• If approved, you can only start activities after the funding agreement is signed.
• A case study report is due 3 months after completing the approved activity.

Round 2 applications:

• You will be notified of your application outcome from 27 April 2027.
• If approved, you can only start activities after the funding agreement is signed.
• A case study report is due 3 months after completing the approved activity.

More information

• NXT Gen Alumni take part in a 10 year study (2025–2034) tracking the careers of emerging artists in the NT.
• If you are an arts organisation or creative industry business interested in hosting a young artist, submit an EOI.

Contact

For help or more information, contact Arts NT.