The second Australia-ASEAN Council Grant Round is now open, with a call to Australian applicants for projects supporting awareness, understanding, exchanges between people and institutions in Australia and 10 ASEAN countries of Southeast Asia. Arts and culture are part of the programme.

The Australia-ASEAN Council (AAC), launched by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on 8 September 2015, generates opportunities for Australian business, education, science and innovation and the arts to work with partners in South-East Asia.

The Council's mission will be to increase knowledge and promote Australia's interests in South-East Asia by initiating and supporting activities designed to enhance awareness, understanding and links between people and institutions in Australia and ten South-East Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Priority Sectors

Knowledge development is the overarching theme for the AAC. Funding priorities will focus on women in leadership, collaboration and innovation across three key sectors:

1. Trade and economic development


2. Technology and entrepreneurship


3. Culture and education

A key consideration for the AAC Board is the community outreach and connectivity of your project.

Applicants

Individuals, groups and organisations may apply for grants. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents; or an Australian entity with an ABN or ACN.  Joint applications may be accepted from non-Australian citizen/resident individuals or organisations who are working in partnership with Australian individuals, groups or organisations, where this will promote Australian relations with the countries of South-East Asia. Applicants must provide evidence of their partnership with an organisation or individual in South-East Asia.

Applicants should demonstrate an established record of achievement in the development and management of projects relevant to their proposed area of endeavour, and should provide evidence of this.

Deadline for applications: 18 April 2016

NOTE: The application must be submitted by an eligible Australian partner - see full guidelines.