Screenrights has today opened applications for its 2026 Cultural Fund, inviting bold new initiatives to apply for a share of a $300,000 grant pool. With the 2026 annual focus revealed as Learning Through Story, the Fund seeks to award grants of up to $50,000 for projects that foster the creation and appreciation of screen content in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
“In 2026, the Screenrights Cultural Fund is placing a strong emphasis on supporting innovators who are expanding, improving, and accelerating learning outcomes through the creative use of screen stories,” says Tom Alegounarias, Chair of the Cultural Fund Working Group. “This year’s focus highlights our commitment to empowering those who are pushing boundaries in knowledge sharing and learner engagement through screen stories – both within the screen industry and across broader educational sectors. We welcome applications from a wide range of initiatives, whether you’re developing interactive learning tools and innovative curriculum content, or building mentorship platforms and screen-based projects that foster professional growth and community learning.”
Since its launch in 2018 the Cultural Fund has enabled tangible transformation within the industry, from the Arts & Cultural Exchange’s Screen Trades program which shattered its initial targets by brokering 34 jobs for diverse practitioners, to Cinespace’s Package to Pitch that saw participants land roles in major US streaming writers’ rooms. Midnight Feast’s grant was “an absolute game-changer” that empowered artists with disabilities to transform “from actors to multidisciplinary creators,” while Co-Curious successfully expanded the pool of ‘bankable’ writers from under-represented backgrounds with Stories From Another Australia.
Removing Barriers to Entry
Recognising that the best ideas don’t always come from the most experienced grant-writers, Screenrights is once again offering free expert consultations to applicants. This popular support system allows applicants to refine their submissions with professional guidance before the deadline, ensuring a diverse range of voices and projects can compete for the $300,000 pool.
The Cultural Fund has now awarded over $1.8M in grants to a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the screen industry and enhance the way audiences engage with screen content.
Key Details:
- Total Funding Pool: $300,000 (up to $50,000 per project)
- Closing Date: Wednesday 8 April, 5:00pm AEST
- How to Apply: Guidelines, application forms, and support requests are available at www.screenrights.org/cultural-fund
SCREENRIGHTS CULTURAL FUND
Previous recipients: www.screenrights.org/cultural-fund/funded-projects
Further information: www.screenrights.org/cultural-fund
Enquiries: culturalfund@screenrights.org
