NSW fashion grant program to target First Nations communities

Phoebe Blogg Published August 18, 2026 at 9.30am (AWST)

arts

A model wearing Ngali on the runway. (Image: Lucas Dawson)

Emerging fashion designers, textile practitioners and businesses across NSW can now apply for funding designed to meet their business and creative needs, from purchasing critical textile production equipment, to seizing career opportunities across the fashion and textile sector.

The $500,000 Quick Response Fashion Grant Program 2026-27 will support emerging NSW-based fashion and textile practitioners to upskill, upgrade and leverage industry networks.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for investing in new business and production equipment, or participation in local or global professional development and networking opportunities to drive future growth.

Following the success of the program in its inaugural year, Create NSW has increased the investment to $500,000 to provide more opportunities for more emerging fashion creatives to receive this career-enhancing support.

The funding will go a long way in boosting equity for under-represented groups across NSW, with fifty per cent of the program investment targeted towards First Nations, Western Sydney and regionally-based emerging fashion designers, textile practitioners and businesses.

The initiative is designed to open doors to professional growth opportunities for emerging fashion designers, textile designers and businesses, responding to critical industry gaps identified in the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy.

First Nations-owned Gali Swimwear received a 2025-26 Quick Response Fashion Grant to bring Gali's lookbook and portfolio to life, and share the brand's story with international audiences.

Founded in Bondi by Kamilaroi man David Leslie, Gali Swimwear (from the Gamilaraay word for 'water') collaborates with First Nations artists and communities, fusing First Nations culture and a deep love for the ocean to create premium sustainable men's swimwear.

"I hadn't really thought about applying until a friend suggested I look into Create NSW funding. I decided to give it a go, and what stood out was how supportive the process was," said Leslie.

"Having an organisation that believed in the project and was willing to invest in the idea gave me the opportunity and confidence to make it happen."

*Kamilaroi man David Leslie. (Image: Indigenous Fashion Projects/Courtesy of the artist)*

Create NSW executive director, Kerri Glasscock said Create NSW is committed to backing NSW's emerging fashion creatives.

"Create NSW is committed to backing NSW's emerging fashion creatives to help them develop and thrive in a fast-paced industry," she said.

"Whether it is for tools, production materials, or support to attend industry events and professional development opportunities, this funding program offers emerging fashion talent the support and momentum needed to make their mark."