SCREENRIGHTS Calls for Applications in 2026 Cultural Fund Round

Why It Matters

The fund accelerates screen‑based learning initiatives, strengthening the creative sector’s role in education and expanding the region’s cultural‑export potential.

Key Takeaways

• $300k total fund, grants up to $50k each
• Theme: Learning Through Story for 2026
• Deadline: 8 April 2026, 5pm AEST
• Fund has allocated ~$2M since 2018
• Targets Australian & New Zealand screen education projects

Pulse Analysis

Screenrights, the leading copyright collective for Australian and New Zealand screen creators, has entered its ninth year of operating the Cultural Fund. Since its 2018 launch, the program has distributed close to $2 million to projects that deepen the creation and appreciation of screen content. By earmarking up to $300,000 for the 2026 round, Screenrights reinforces its commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem where storytellers can experiment with new formats and revenue models. The fund’s track record demonstrates how targeted financial support can accelerate innovation across the broader media landscape.

The 2026 round centers on the theme “Learning Through Story,” reflecting a global shift toward screen‑based education. As schools and corporations increasingly adopt video, interactive documentaries, and gamified narratives, creators have a clear pathway to embed curriculum objectives within compelling visual formats. Grants of up to $50,000 can fund interactive learning tools, mentorship schemes, or bespoke curriculum content that bridges entertainment and pedagogy. By aligning funding with these trends, Screenrights not only amplifies the reach of Australian and New Zealand productions but also positions the region as a hub for innovative ed‑tech storytelling.

Eligibility is limited to creators based in Australia or New Zealand, and applications close on 8 April 2026 at 5 pm AEST. Prospective applicants should articulate clear learning outcomes, demonstrate production capability, and outline measurable impact on target audiences. With only a handful of $50,000 grants available, competition will be fierce, making a strong narrative and robust budget essential. Successful projects will likely influence future funding cycles, encouraging more screen‑driven pedagogical initiatives and strengthening the cultural export potential of the region’s media sector.