The Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program (ACDGP) supports international projects that tell Australian stories, amplify First Nations voices, deepen bilateral partnerships, and build cultural understanding and connections overseas.

Cultural diplomacy plays a vital role in international relations, offering unique opportunities to foster mutual understanding and to build relationships. Through cultural diplomacy initiatives, DFAT strengthens Australia's influence, reputation, reach and relationships overseas.

The Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program 2025-26 round is now open

Applications open: 09:00 (AEDT) 6 January 2026

Applications close: 16:00 (AEDT) 6 February 2026

For more information, please refer to the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

If you have any questions during the application period, contact the ACDGP Secretariat, cultural.diplomacy@dfat.gov.au. Everyone is welcome to ask questions, however, no questions will be responded to individually. All answers to questions received will be provided via Addendum and will be published on GrantConnect to provide transparency and adhere to appropriate probity practices.

The objectives of the ACDGP are to:

• support collaborative and innovative projects that tell Australian stories and amplify First Nations voices overseas
• influence perceptions of Australia abroad by building cultural understanding and connections
• build international partnerships between people and/or institutions
• foster a peaceful, stable and prosperous region
• contribute to the program objectives informed by Australia’s Cultural Policy ‘Revive’ as set out in the pillars: First Nations First; a Place for Every Story; Centrality of the Artist; and Engaging the Audience.

The intended outcomes of the ACDGP are:

• increased collaboration and partnerships between Australian and international organisations/individuals in the arts and cultural sectors
• increased Australian capacity to effectively engage with overseas partners, especially in the arts and cultural sectors
• enhanced reputation and influence for Australia internationally.

For the 2025-26 round, favourable consideration will be given to:

• projects delivered in the Pacific
• projects that are multi-country in scope or strengthen regional engagement in support of the objectives
• applications with identified international partners
• applications from First Nations people and organisations
• projects that are delivered outside of Australia.

Projects that do not deliver on these priorities are still encouraged to apply.

ACDGP 2024–25 grantees

The Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program (ACDGP) 2024–25 round grantees were announced in August 2025.