A $13.9 million investment in Arts Projects will support 280 individuals and groups nationwide in creating over 2000 new works, and additional investment through the International Engagement Fund will support the collaboration of Australian artists with partners in 26 countries, expanding the reach of Australian creatives across the globe.

A total of $278,040 will be invested into local projects, selected and distributed by Creative Australia through an independent peer assessment process.

Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters today visited Castlemaine-based organisation PUNCTUM, who received $95,000 via the arts projects stream for their 2025/26 series Scenius States.

The series will connect local creatives with international artists, using experimental collaborative practices to boost the creation, capabilities and reach of local artists. Seven new works will be created under the year-long initiative.

Other local projects that received funding include:

• Trace Balla – Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups Grant – Literature
• Brodie Murray – Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups Grant – Theatre
• Anthony Pateras – Arts Projects for Organisations Grant – Emerging and Experimental Arts
• Michael Chew (Climate Futures Collective) – International Engagement Fund – Market Development Exchange & Touring
• Hamish Fletcher (Things of Foam and Wood) – International Engagement Fund – Market Development Exchange & Touring
• Natalie Luong – Music Australia Export Fund – Match – Performance and Touring Activity
• Anthony Pateras – Music Australia Export Fund – Match - Performance and Touring Activity
• Anthony Pateras – Music Australia Export Fund – Match – Professional and Artistic Development

Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has provided record new funding for the cultural sector, with $880 million more committed over the next four years

than was promised by the former government. Funding for Creative Australia is 41% higher this year than in the final year of the previous government.

That investment means that more great arts projects are being supported in communities across Australia and more Australians have access to cultural experiences.

You can read more about the other commitments that the government has delivered on since introducing the National Cultural Policy, Revive, here.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“This is a significant investment into community arts.

"We know that our region has a thriving creative industry and arts sector. I am proud to be part of a Federal Labor Government that is investing in a diverse range of community arts projects"

“Punctum is a successful locally based theatre company, well known for its work that challenges boundaries and ideas. I look forward to seeing the Scenius States series come to life.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO PUNCTUM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, JUDE ANDERSON:

“The Creative Australia funding for Scenius States is from the Experimental and Emerging Art form field and represents a critical 38% of the value of the program.

“In such an economically tough and intensely competitive environment it is such an enormous privilege to have been awarded this support. But what is particularly significant and exciting is that it recognises that to have a culture that is flourishing and nourishing, the way of the future is working regionally and collaboratively over the long term to create new works through partnership. practice, across geographies, cultures and across artforms.

“Punctum has been working this way in our region for many years. It's wonderful to have this acknowledgement".