2025 CASP grants open

22nd July 2025

2025 CASP Grants Now Open: Supporting Local Arts in New England North West

Arts North West is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Country Arts Support Program (CASP), a Create NSW-funded initiative delivering small grants of up to $3,000 to support vibrant and creative community arts projects across the New England North West region.

 Managed locally by Arts North West, CASP empowers not-for-profit arts organisations, collectives, and local government bodies to bring their creative ideas to life. Whether it's a community mural, theatre production, cultural workshop, or skills development project, CASP aims to foster grassroots creativity that reflects and strengthens the unique cultural identity of our region.

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: 9.00am, 14 July 2025
  • Applications Close: 5.00pm, 25 August 2025
  • Successful Applicants Notified: 3 September 2025
  • Project Delivery Period: 1 October 2025 – 1 July 2026 Apply Now: https://artsnsw.smartygrants.com.au/ANW2025CASP

What CASP Supports:

The Country Arts Support Program is designed to:

  • Encourage locally determined arts and cultural activities
  • Increase access to diverse arts opportunities in regional communities
  • Support the exploration and expression of cultural identities
  • Provide social and economic benefits through skills training and employment
  • Promote cultural diversity and inclusion
  • Enhance the sustainability of regional community arts organisations

Who Can Apply:

Applicants must be based in one of the eligible local government areas: Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah Shire, Gwydir Shire, Liverpool Plains Shire, Moree Plains Shire, Narrabri Shire, Tamworth Regional, Tenterfield Shire, Uralla Shire, or Walcha Council.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Not-for-profit incorporated bodies
  • Local government authorities
  • Collectives with a nominated administering body

All applicants must hold current public liability insurance and must discuss their project with Arts North West before applying. Contact us at 0493 316 463 or   rado@artsnw.com.au.      

Who Is Not Eligible

Unfortunately, CASP does not accept applications from:

  • Groups or projects based outside the Arts North West service area (e.g. Sydney, Blue Mountains,

interstate)

  • Professional touring groups, commercial businesses, or unincorporated collectives without an

administering body

  • Schools (except P&Cs that are incorporated), government departments, or those with outstanding

grant acquittals

  • Applicants who have not consulted Arts North West prior to submitting

Miranda Heckenberg, Acting Executive Director, Arts North West said:

“CASP is about empowering regional creatives and community organisations to shape their own cultural story. These small grants can make a big difference in building community connection, celebrating identity, and providing real opportunities for local artists.”

For full guidelines and eligibility details, download the CASP Guidelines 2025 from the application portal.

News for July 2025