City Renewal's Placemaking Grants program supports projects that bring activity, creativity and community connection to Canberra's City Centre and Braddon. The 2026-27 recipients represent a diverse mix of events, cultural experiences and public space activations that will encourage people to explore the precinct, support local businesses and experience the city in new ways.
The following projects will be delivered in 2026-27.
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.
CCMIL Collection Zone.
We consider grant applications that fall under the following categories. Grants may not be awarded under all categories.
In 2025-26, we awarded four grants for projects to bring energy and activity to the City Centre and Braddon.
View grants from previous years.
The following list of frequently asked questions are provided to support future applicants and those wanting to understand how the Placemaking Grants work. For further information contact the City Renewal team.
Placemaking Grants are awarded through a two-stage application process via the SmartyGrants website.
Stage 1: Pitch (Expression of Interest)
The Pitch is a short application that asks for basic applicant information, a summary of your project, proposed delivery dates, your experience delivering similar projects and an indication of your project budget.
Pitch applications for 2027-28 will open in early 2027. Keep an eye on the City Renewal website or subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates.
Stage 2: Full Grant Application
Only shortlisted Pitch applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Before this stage, City Renewal will contact shortlisted applicants to discuss their proposal.
The full application requires more detailed information about your project, including expected outcomes, project planning, delivery approach, detailed budgets and funding sources. Applicants can also submit supporting material such as examples of previous projects, letters of support and referee statements.
All applications must be submitted through SmartyGrants. Applications in other formats will only be accepted where accessibility assistance has been arranged.
Applying for a grant can be 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.
We received feedback that previous grant processes required significant effort with no certainty of progressing. The EOI process allows applicants to receive an early indication of suitability before preparing a full application.
The number varies depending on the program budget each year and the amount of funding requested in individual applications. around ten EOIs are typically invited to progress to the application stage.
Successful EOI applicants will be notified by City Renewal following the assessment of Stage 1. The timing for notifications is outlined on the grants webpage.
You may submit multiple EOIs. Each submission will be assessed on its own merits and you may be invited to submit one or more full applications.
A detailed budget isn't required at the EOI stage, but you should provide a general cost overview to demonstrate the feasibility of your project.
We're looking for creative, innovative projects that bring people into the city, encourage community participation and help people connect with and enjoy city places.
We encourage projects that involve diverse communities and foster inclusion. This may include partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culturally and linguistically diverse groups and organisations supporting people with disability.
Yes. Community participation and engagement are strongly encouraged.
Yes. Collaboration between applicants, organisations, artists and community groups is encouraged and viewed favourably where it strengthens the project and increases community benefit.
Yes. Staffing costs should be included where relevant, including artist fees, installation staff, project management, security and other project delivery costs.
Yes. Artists and creatives should be fairly compensated in line with industry standards. Applicants may wish to refer to guidance from the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA).
Yes. In-kind support and external sponsorship are encouraged where they benefit the project. These arrangements should be documented and supported by a letter of support.
Applicants invited to submit a full application should provide quotes for significant expenditure items, generally those over $1,000. This helps demonstrate project feasibility and sound financial planning.
Limited support may be available, such as promotional assistance or access to City Renewal-owned assets. However, projects should not rely on this support to be delivered successfully.
No.
Full applications are assessed by an independent panel comprising representatives from relevant government agencies, directorates and external stakeholders.
Please refer to the Grant Guidelines for a full list of eligibility requirements.
Yes. Please refer to the Grant Guidelines for a list of ineligible expenses.
Grant recipients are responsible for measuring and demonstrating the success of their project against the outcomes identified in their application.
You are encouraged to seek feedback to support future applications. City Renewalmay also contact unsuccessful applicants if other relevant opportunities arise.
Projects outside the recommended areas may still be considered if they fall within the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy (CCMIL) Collection Zone and align with City Renewal’s objectives.
Yes, provided the project meets all regulatory, safety and approval requirements. These considerations should be addressed in your application.
No. Receiving a grant does not automatically provide approval to use public space or undertake activities. Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary planning, event, health, environmental, insurance and other approvals.
We strongly recommend contacting Access Canberra's Events and Business Coordination team before applying.
An auspice arrangement allows an incorporated organisation to support a project by managing funding and administrative responsibilities on behalf of an applicant.
This can provide valuable financial management, governance and project support.
Payment arrangements are outlined in the Deed of Grant and are generally linked to agreed milestones. Typically, payments are made across several stages of project delivery, including project planning, implementation, reporting and final acquittal.
We welcome general enquiries and questions during workshops. However, we cannot provide feedback on specific project concepts before submission due to the competitive nature of the process.
Yes. Previous grant recipients and project examples are available on our website.
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.