The performing arts have been big winners in the ACT government’s Arts Activities Funding program, announced on Wednesday by Arts Minister Michael Pettersson, with 16 applications recommended for a total of $513,394.

Formerly known as project grants, the program supports Canberra-based artists, groups and organisations to undertake a wide range of activities, including the creation of new work, professional development and community engagement.

Among the performing recipients were Canberra Burlesque Academy, Jordan Best’s Echo Theatre, actor Christopher Samuel Carroll, Dianna Nixon’s Music Theatre Projects and dance artist Vivienne Rogis.

As well, under the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, three ACT projects have also been awarded grants totalling $59,960: The Stellar Company will offer dance and movement classes for older Canberrans of migrant backgrounds in Gungahlin, Phillip and Woden;  Australian Dance Party will present IMPULSE, a multidisciplinary performance activating public spaces through dance and creative response; and  Tuggeranong Community Arts Association will lead Weaving Stories, a First Nations-led workshop series in Tharwa.

The full list of recipients

• Emma Batchelor – To support Bloomwaves, an experimental new literary work created in queer community — $44,750

• Jordan Best – To support the NSW tour of Bombshells with Echo Theatre and Arts on Tour — $28,577

• Canberra Burlesque Academy Inc. – Accessibility-focused dance and performance mentorship programs for BIPOC, LGBTIQA+, disabled persons and allies — $25,000

• Christopher Samuel Carroll – Premiere production of Commitment to the Cause at Canberra Theatre Centre — $45,086

• Craig Cormick & Darren Rix – Development of a new non-fiction book on First Nations perspectives of John Batman and Australia’s first treaty — $20,000

• Brenda L Croft – Creation of new work for a solo exhibition at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and scanning photographic archives — $50,000

• Callie Doyle-Scott – Development of Soup for the Moon, a new fantasy novel — $32,384

• Gang Gang Cafe – Development and promotion of Sundowner 2026, a one-day urban music and arts festival — $50,000

• Tamara Henderson – New glass sculpture for immersive installation at Canberra Contemporary Art Space — $30,000

• King Howe – Regional Australian tour featuring Canberran supporting musicians — $35,918

• MangoMilk Productions – Editing a new documentary film about Slovenian/Italian cultural relationships — $19,460

• Music Theatre Projects Ltd – Artist fees for a residency at The Street to develop and present readings of Hornig and the Gadget — $20,000

• Musica Viva Australia – Mentorship for emerging ACT musicians — $21,000

• Ujjwal Rai – Development of Maha Maya, a feature screenplay — $25,000

• Vivienne Rogis – Redevelopment and performance of The Whole Cake, a dance theatre work — $16,219

• SD Games Pty Ltd – Further development of Rocketcard Defence, a new tower defence digital game — $50,000