NSW Expands Paid Internship Program Across Creative Industries
The NSW Government has opened applications for organisations to take part in the 2027 Createability Internship Program. The program supports up to 16 NSW organisations to host up to 22 participants across the arts and culture sector. The internships will be available across arts, culture and creative industries. Up to 16 NSW organisations will be selected as host organisations.The program will provide up to $200,000 in funding, a 33% increase from the previous program. The NSW Government said the additional funding will support more organisations to join as hosts in 2027.
Kerri Glasscock, Executive Director Create NSW said, “In 2027, we’ll support more organisations and more internships than ever before, removing barriers to accessible employment across the arts, cultural and creative industries.”
https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/create-nsw/news/2027-createability-host-orgs-open
Paid Internships Across Creative Industries
The grants are used to cover intern payments and related employment costs, including income tax, superannuation, Workcover and insurance.
Host organisations can offer either 160 hours or 320 hours internship. They can receive $6,080 exc. GST for 160 hours internship or $12,160 exc. GST for 320 hours internship. Depending on the role and the intern’s requirements, working arrangements can include part-time hours, flexible schedules, working from home, working on site, or a combination of these options. Internships can take place between April 2027 and December 2027. The program is delivered by Create NSW in partnership with Screen NSW, Sound NSW and Accessible Arts. The NSW Government said it aims to increase skills development, participation and employment opportunities for Deaf and Disabled people in the state’s arts, cultural and creative industries.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/2026-27-createability-host-organisation
Who Can Apply to Become a Host Organisation?
The current application round is for organisations that want to become internship hosts. Eligible applicants must be based in NSW. They can include Arts and Culture Organisation, Sound Organisation, Screen Organisation, Creative Industry Organisation and/or a Local Government Authority. Applicants must have a clear focus on arts or cultural activities that benefit NSW artists, arts and cultural workers or communities. They must also have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and a bank account in the same name as the ABN.
Schools and educational institutions, including preschools, primary and secondary schools, are not eligible unless they are a clearly defined university business unit delivering arts and cultural activities. Each organisation can propose up to two internship positions in one application.
Applicants need to provide information about their organisation and the internship roles they plan to offer. This includes the role description, key duties, work location and planned internship period. Successful host organisations will receive disability awareness training from Accessible Arts before the internships begin. They will also take part in the intern selection and interview process. Host organisation applications opened on 17 September and will close at 2 pm on 15 October 2026.
Organisations can apply through the official NSW Government Createability website:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/2026-27-createability-host-organisation
Individual Internship Applications Open in November
At this stage, only applications from host organisations are open. Individual internship applications are scheduled to open on 12 November 2026 and close at 2 pm on 16 December 2026. Applications will then be assessed, followed by interviews and matching with suitable host organisations. Internships are expected to take place between April and December 2027.
