Screenrights Cultural Fund Opens for Applications
Screenrights has 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 announced as Learning Through Story, the Fund will award grants of up to $50,000 per project to initiatives 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.”
“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.”
says Tom Alegounarias, Chair of the Cultural Fund Working Group.|
Removing Barriers to Entry
Recognising that strong ideas do not always come from experienced grant writers, Screenrights is once again offering free expert consultations to applicants. This support allows applicants to refine their submissions with professional guidance ahead of the deadline, helping ensure a diverse range of voices and projects can compete for the $300,000 pool.
Since its inception in 2018, the Cultural Fund has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants to initiatives that strengthen the screen industry and enhance the way audiences engage with screen content.
Closing Date: Wednesday 8 April, 7:00pm NZT / 5:00pm AEST
How to Apply: Guidelines, application forms and support requests are available at www.screenrights.org/cultural-fund
Enquiries: culturalfund@screenrights.org
