Creative Australia's Creative Futures Fund fuels ambitious Australian arts projects

Creative Australia's Creative Futures Fund is supporting ambitious Australian stories across artforms, with recent delivery investments ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million. Three projects illustrate the fund's impact: Strong is the New Pretty, a play about the AFLW's origins, premiering at Brisbane Festival; Erth's Shark Dive, a puppetry production challenging shark perceptions; and Songs of Ceremony, a collaboration between Palawa artist Dewayne Everettsmith and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. The fund has two streams: development investments of $150,000-$250,000 and delivery investments of $250,000-$1.5 million. Strong is the New Pretty, written by Suzie Miller, is co-produced by Brisbane Festival, Sydney Theatre Company, and Trish Wadley Productions. Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Ebony Bott emphasized the fund's role in realizing the work at scale and enabling school programs. Erth's Artistic Director Scott Wright noted the funding allowed for research and experimentation, reducing financial risk. The production features a life-sized shark designed to be respected, not feared. Songs of Ceremony, described by TSO CEO Caroline Sharpen as one of the most important projects in the orchestra's 78-year history, includes an album, concerts, touring, and educational resources in palawa kani. The fund supports projects beyond initial presentation, fostering new audiences and partnerships. Applications for the next round close 29 September.