2026 Creative Steps - New Work

Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at 2:00PM 25 May 2026 (AEST).

We're Here to Help 

Online resources: Arts and Cultural Funding Program | NSW Government

You can contact Create NSW staff from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) via:

Contact the Accesshub and the National Relay Service here.

SmartyGrants Tips

The Create NSW online grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants.

If you require technical assistance using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Before you start

We encourage you to review the eligibility and assessment criteria before starting your application on our website Arts and Cultural Funding Program | NSW Government. This will help you understand the requirements of the program and determine whether your project is suitable.

Accessing SmartyGrants

  • If you are a new user, you will need to register and create a password before starting your application.
  • If you are already registered, you can log in using your existing username and password.

Viewing the application form

Please note that SmartyGrants uses conditional logic. This means:

  • You are unable to view all sections of the application when you first begin.
  • Additional pages and questions will become visible as you complete earlier sections and depending on your responses.

Remember to Save your Progress

Remember to save your application as you are working on it. You can do this by clicking the 'Save' button at the top or bottom of the page. 

You may also download a PDF of your application at any time. Click on the 'Download PDF' button located at the bottom of the last page of the application form. 

Submitting your application

Don’t leave it until the last minute to submit your application. Submit early and avoid the risk of missing the deadline.

Confirmation email

When you have completed and hit the submit button, you will receive a confirmation email with a PDF copy of your submitted application attached. The email will be sent to the email address connected to your SmartyGrants account. 

If you do not receive a confirmation of submission email then you should presume that your submission has NOT been received. Hint: check the email hasn’t gone to your spam or junk email folders.