Join us in shaping lively, engaging, and dynamic spaces in the City Centre and Braddon.
Whether you're an individual with a creative vision or an organisation with a community-focused project, the placemaking grants program helps bring transformative ideas to life.
Placemaking grants are allocated through a two-stage selection process. Both stages involve written applications.
Pitch applications for the 2025-26 Placemaking Grants have closed. Only shortlisted pitch applicants will be invited to complete a full grant application.
The Placemaking Grants program is co-funded by the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy. Grants projects must be undertaken in the Levy collection zone (the City Centre and Braddon). This area is highlighted in the diagram below.
CCMIL Collection Zone.
The Placemaking Grants program is an initiative that aligns with City Renewal's Strategic Plan and the objectives of the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy (CCMIL).
By creating a compelling sense of place, we will attract workers, residents, and visitors to the City Centre and Braddon and contribute to a more connected and dynamic Canberra.
We aspire to improve perceptions of comfort and image, safety, and cleanliness in these places, encouraging economic growth and community development through a people-focused and design-led approach.
City Renewal's Placemaking Grants is a funding program for eligible organisations, groups, and individuals to support placemaking projects in Canberra’s City Centre and Braddon.
The primary objective of Placemaking Grants is to develop and support the vitality of Civic, Braddon and New Acton through creative and engaging place-making initiatives that strengthen our community’s connection to public spaces and encourage visitation.
The Placemaking Grants program supports projects that foster community engagement and enhance people’s experience with public spaces through various categories.
Please note: Grants may not be awarded under all categories.
Placemaking grants are selected through a two-stage process. Both stages require a written application via the Smartygrants website.
Pitch applications for the 2026-27 Placemaking Grants have closed. Only shortlisted pitch applicants will be invited to complete a full grant application.
Only selected pitch applications will be invited to complete a full grant application.
City Renewal will contact selected applicants to discuss their pitches before making a full application.
Applying for a grant can be a challenging, and we recognise that there are some applicants who will need extra support.
If you need disability or language-specific services to help you apply for any City Renewal Authority program, please contact City Renewal at cityrenewal@act.gov.au or call Access Canberra 13 22 81 for assistance.
Applications for both stages of the selection process must be submitted in writing through the SmartyGrants website. We do not accept applications in any other format unless you have requested assistance due to accessibility reasons.
The pitch requires you to respond to brief questions asking applicant details, proposed project, project delivery and activity dates, previous or new concept experience, and an indication of project costs and funding needed.
The full grant application asks more detailed questions related to the themed criteria outlined in the ‘grant application and assessment’ section, and an upload of additional documents (e.g. letters of support).
For activities between July 2026 to June 2027.
Please note: These are expected dates and are subject to change.
Pitch applications open | 28 January 2026 |
Pitch information session | 3 February 2026 |
Online Q&A session | 17 February 2026 |
Pitch applications close | 11 March 2026 |
Notification to undertake full application (or unsuccessful) | Late March 2026 |
Grant applications open | 1 April 2026 |
Grant applications close | 29 April 2026 |
In 2025-26, we awarded four grants for projects to bring energy and activity to the City Centre and Braddon.
Can there be collaboration between different grants?
Yes, cross-collaboration between different applicants is highly encouraged. Collaborative efforts are seen in a positive light and can enhance the impact of your project.
How do organisations contribute to the community through these grants?
By bringing the community closer together and fostering a spirit of cooperation. By participating in these grants, you can help to build a more inclusive and collaborative community.
Are related pitches acceptable? How do you view applications involving collaborations?
Related pitches are acceptable, and applications that include collaborations are viewed favourably. Collaborative projects often have a greater potential impact and demonstrate community engagement and partnership.
What is the auspice process?
An organisation can be engaged as an auspice partner to support the grant application and project implementation. This partnership benefits the overall program and the community zone by providing additional resources and expertise.
What is the organisational burden of managing multiple grants, and how does it affect participation in the event?
Managing multiple grants does require organisational effort, but it's balanced by the value and impact of participating in the event. Effective planning and resource allocation can mitigate the burden, ensuring a meaningful contribution to the community.
What is the difference between the Art Grant and the Placemaking Art grant?
The ACT Arts Grant typically focuses on supporting individual artists and their projects, while the Placemaking Art grant is geared towards projects that enhance public spaces and community engagement. Placemaking Art projects often involve a collaborative or interactive element that contributes to the vitality and identity of public places.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.