International Engagement Fund

The program aims to support Australian artists and creative workers to undertake creative collaboration and development, cultural exchange, and reciprocal activities.

Applications must meet at least one of our International Engagement Strategy 2021–2025 priorities:

• rethink and expand the concept of mobility through testing dynamic engagement models that include digital, hybrid and in-person connection
• leverage technologies and digital platforms for creation, distribution, networking, and increasing discoverability of Australian work
• activate borderless thinking to build reciprocal and multilateral partnerships across regions and industries, and leverage co-investment
• strengthen First Nations exchange that is First Nations-led and self-determined
• amplify Asia Pacific engagement, and the perspectives of the Asia Pacific diaspora in Australia
• diversify income and revenue streams to foster sustainable careers and business models by increasing access to markets, information and networks and showcase Australian work to global audiences and influencers
• foster creative risk-taking, experimentation and innovation in creation, distribution, connection and profile-building
• centre equity and access and reflect Australia’s diversity
• embed sustainability through research and investment in best-practice models and frameworks to minimise the sector’s carbon footprint.

To be eligible:

• You can only submit one application to each closing date for the International Engagement Fund.
• You cannot have applied to the Tuesday 5 September 2023 closing date for the Arts Projects grant categories for the same activity.
• Individuals, groups and organisations (including small businesses) may apply to this category.
• International organisations can apply for projects that benefit practicing Australian artists or creative workers, their work or Australian audiences.
• International publishers seeking support to translate Australian works by living authors of creative writing, and Australian publishers seeking support to translate non-English works into English by Australian translators must apply to the Translation Fund for Literature.

You can’t apply for a grant if:

• you have already applied to this closing date for the International Engagement Fund
• you have already applied to the Tuesday 5 September 2023 closing date for the Arts Projects grant categories for the same activity
• you have an overdue grant report
• you owe money to Creative Australia
• your organisation receives investment through the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework
• your organisation receives a combined total of more than $520,000 annually (per calendar year) through the Four Year Funding program, and/or the Visual Arts and Crafts Strategy funding from 2021 to 2024
• you are an international publisher seeking support to translate Australian works by living authors of creative writing, or an Australian publisher seeking support to translate non-English works into English by Australian translators. You must apply to the Translation Fund for Literature.

See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for IEF support.

Activities can take place in-person, online, or in a combination of in-person and online (hybrid).

The following activities are supported:

• creative collaboration and development
• cultural exchange and knowledge sharing
• research, experimentation, scoping and prototyping activities
• reciprocal relationship-building activities such as:
  1. residency exchanges
  2. labs and peer exchange models

Eligible costs include but are not limited to:

• artist and creative worker fees
• flights, accommodation, per diems, ground transport costs
• travel insurance
• visas, COVID-19-related tests or documentation
• freight or baggage costs
• production expenses
• marketing, promotion and project management costs
• childcare, carer and access costs
• costs associated with reducing the environmental impact of your activity.

You can’t apply for:

• international presentations or tours (apply for the International Touring & Presentation Fund instead)
• outbound international market development activities (apply for the International Travel Fund instead)
• international activities that do not involve or benefit Australian practicing artists or creative workers
• international activities that do not have a clearly-defined arts component
• international activities that have already taken place
• activities engaging with First Nations content, artists and communities that do not adhere to our First Nations Cultural & Intellectual Property Protocols.
• support to translate Australian works by living authors of creative writing, or an Australian publisher seeking support to translate non-English works into English by Australian translators. You must apply to the Translation Fund for Literature.

See the guidelines for full details of activities and expenditure eligible for IEF support.

1. Viability

• The relevance and timeliness of the proposed project.
• The skills and abilities of those involved, and their relevance to the project.
• Realistic and achievable planning and resource use, including contingency and COVID-safe plans for projects that involve public presentations, domestic or international travel.
• Well-researched and rationalised activity, particularly if this is your first engagement with an international market.
• Extent of sustainable practices, multiple engagements and/or slow touring or concept touring, where the idea, process, or work travels but the artist does not.
• Appropriate payments to participating artists, creative professionals, collaborators, participants, or cultural consultants.
• Measures being applied to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people involved in the project
• Measures being applied to ensure the proposed activity is accessible.
• Where relevant to the project, evidence that the protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts have been adhered to, or the relevant cultural protocols for the international jurisdiction in which you are working.
• Evidence of appropriate consultation with participants, audiences or communities.
• The role of partners or collaborators, including confirmation of any income and co-funding, including earned income, grants, sponsorship and in-kind contributions.

2. Impact

• The extent to which this activity develops an international market or relationship for, or enhances international networks, audiences, and profile.
• The contribution of the activity towards re-imagining the future for international engagement in the cultural and creative industries.
• The extent to which the activity contributes to a sector that is accessible, inclusive and equitable.

3. Strategic focus

• Rethink and expand the concept of mobility through testing dynamic engagement models that include digital, hybrid and in-person connection.
• Leverage technologies and digital platforms for creation, distribution, networking, and increase discoverability of Australian work.
• Activate borderless thinking to build reciprocal and multilateral partnerships across regions and industries, and leverage co-investment.
• Strengthen First Nations exchange that is First Nations-led and self-determined.
• Amplify Asia Pacific engagement, and the perspectives of the Asia Pacific diaspora in Australia.
• Diversify income and revenue streams to foster sustainable careers and business models by increasing access to markets, information and networks and showcase Australian work to global audiences and influencers.
• Foster risk-taking, experimentation and innovation in creation, distribution, connection and profile-building.
• Centre equity and access and reflect Australia’s diversity.
• Embed sustainability through research and investment in best-practice models and frameworks to minimise the sector’s carbon footprint.

See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.

Applicants must:

• Read and understand the guidelines.
• Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
• Provide complete information requirements.

Application must comply with the following Protocols:

• Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts
• Commonwealth Child Safe Framework

Questions asked in the application form include:

• a title for your project
• a summary of your project
• a brief description of the organisation applying
• an outline of your project and what you want to do
• a timetable or itinerary for your project
• a description of the outcome your project delivers
• a projected budget which details the expenses, income, and in-kind support of the project
• evidence of confirmation of the presentation/tour, such as letters of agreement or confirmation, contracts, evidence of reasonable fees being paid by the presenter
• supporting material as relevant to your project, including examples of your work, bios of additional artists, and letters of support or permission from participants, communities, First Nations organisation, and Elders.

There are four types of support material applicants may submit:

• Artistic support material
• Biographies and CVs
• Letters of support
• Travel risk management

See the guidelines for full details of support materials and other information requirements.

Applicants must be registered in Creative.Gov.Au’s application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.