Applications are now open for Audience and Industry Development Programs

Applications are now open for Screen NSW’s Audience and Industry Development Programs, designed to deliver dynamic and exciting screen experiences for audiences across NSW and enhance the screen ecosystem in the state.

The Audience Development Program supports organisations hosting screen events to deliver high quality experiences for audiences across the state. This funding provides support towards public screenings, festivals, and tours.

The Industry Development Program enhances the NSW screen and digital games ecosystem by supporting professional development and career escalation opportunities for practitioners. Funding is available to support one-off or annual events and includes delivery of workshops, masterclasses, forums and targeted professional development activities.

Applications for both programs are now open and will close on Wednesday 28 August 2024 at 4pm.

Visit the Screen NSW website for more information and to apply for the Audience Development Program or Industry Development Program.

In the 2023-24 Screen NSW delivered $765,000 in funding to 29 recipients through the Audience and Industry Development Programs.

Audience Development recipients used funding to host events in 2023/2024, including Mardi Gras Film Festival, Africa Film Fest Australia, Sydney Underground Film Festival, Bus Stop Films NSW Showcase Events, Byron Bay International Flim Festival, Bangalow Film Festival, Irish Film Festival Australia, Perfect Light Film Festival, Alliance Française French Film Festival, Antenna Documentary Film Festival, Lebanese Film Festival and Flickerfest International Short Film Festival and Flickerfest Western Sydney and NSW Regional Tour.

Industry Development recipients included Australians in Film, Accessible Arts, Veterans’ Film Festival, Australians Writers’ Guild, WIFT Australia, Screen Illawarra, Australian Guild of Screen Composers, Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE), Film Art Media, Screen Producers Australia, Co-Curious, Curious Works, Flickerfest, Antenna Documentary Film Festival and Australian International Documentary Film Festival.

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said:

“These two funds work hand in hand to grow skills and opportunities for NSW creatives, contributing to a more sustainable sector, while also making screen events accessible to broad audiences.

“In the last year we were able to support festivals all over the state, from Broken Hill, to Byron Bay and right here in Sydney, giving audiences the chance to experience outstanding film events that they may not have been able to enjoy among fellow film lovers without our funding.

“Further, I’m excited that so many NSW practitioners were able to upskill, network and learn the ins and outs of our industry through targeted industry events. Welcoming new storytellers and voices, while providing career pathways, supports growth into the future.

“I encourage all eligible organisations to submit their applications, so we can keep NSW vibrant for creatives working in the sector and audiences looking to enjoy premium screen content.”

Image credit: Opening Night Lebanese Film Festival 2023, supplied by Lebanese Film Festival Australia.