Image: Carclew
South Australia’s next generation of creative talent is about to get a serious leg up, with a major new funding boost set to support emerging artists, makers and storytellers across the state.
This week, the State Government announced a $400,000 investment into youth arts through the Carclew grant program, marking the biggest funding increase in the organisation’s history. Delivered as part of the government’s A Place to Create cultural policy, the expanded program is all about backing young creatives at the very start of their careers.
Running across two years, the funding more than quadruples Carclew’s existing support, opening up new opportunities for individuals, youth organisations, and creatives in metropolitan, regional and remote South Australia.
Grants of up to $20,000 will be available for small to medium youth arts organisations, alongside the introduction of quick-response funding of up to $750. Designed to be agile and accessible, these smaller grants will help creatives jump on opportunities as they arise, particularly in regional areas and for underrepresented voices.
For the first time, there will also be two funding rounds each year, meaning more projects can get off the ground, more often.
“This funding will significantly increase support for youth arts organisations and emerging artists across South Australia, and shine a spotlight on the great work of Carclew, and its longstanding commitment to young artists,” shared Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts Kyam Maher.
“We know that it is critical to support young people in the early stages of their career, and I look forward to seeing a new crop of talented South Australians emerge. This investment through A Place to Create is about ensuring young South Australians have access to the opportunities and support they need to build careers in the arts right here in our state.”
The impact of early support is something many successful artists know all too well. South Australian actor Shabana Azeez, now starring in HBO’s The Pitt, credits Carclew as a key part of her journey.
“Carclew backed me as an early career artist in Adelaide when I was starting out locally and trying to create opportunities for myself. Their support gave me community and the means to upskill—I will always be grateful,” she said.
Carclew Acting Chief Executive Robyn Jones added, “This investment meaningfully increases young people’s access to the arts across South Australia. It removes barriers, opens doors to opportunity and supports young people to build sustainable creative futures.”
With applications open now until May 14th, the message to young creatives is simple, this is your moment to take the leap.
