MEDIA RELEASE: Launch of Canberra Screen and Games Fund to strengthen industries 

The ACT Government in partnership with Screen Canberra, has launched the Canberra Screen and Games Fund, designed to strengthen Canberra’s screen and digital games industries, stimulate local economic activity, and showcase our city to national and international audiences.

The Fund delivers targeted investment to unlock the potential of Canberra’s creative industries by growing an already thriving screen sector and supporting the rise of digital games as part of a diverse economy.

Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson, said the fund will support innovation and amplify local talent.

“Canberra is home to one of Australia’s highest per capita concentration of games creators, and Canberrans bring sought after skills and creativity that set us apart. We want to back our local games developers to take their products to the next level,” Minister Pettersson said.

As an emerging industry, digital games offer potential for innovation and commercialisation. Canberra’s creative community will benefit from investment to develop and produce their games, transforming ideas into commercially viable products that carry Canberra’s ingenuity to the world.

“By investing in our screen and games sectors, we’re supporting jobs and growing Canberra’s creative economy. “

Canberra’s screen industry has shown steady growth, particularly in documentary production, television series, and feature films. They capture national and international audiences, generate local economic activity, provide employment opportunities, and build Canberra’s reputation as a creative destination.

“Direct to audience productions for platforms like YouTube are also eligible for funding and provide another avenue for content and creative skill development,” the Minister said.

The Fund is in addition to support provided to Screen Canberra to develop and grow the local screen and digital games industries.

Applications can be made from Thursday, 11 December 2025. To view the Guidelines, and for more information on eligibility and application details, visit Screen Canberra.

 “This fund reflects the changing landscape of our industry. With specific streams for Games, Direct-to-Audience, and Film/TV, we are focusing our resources on production—creating jobs and delivering results. By extending financial backing to digital games, we are creating a holistic ecosystem that supports creators across every screen.” – Holly Trueman, CEO Screen Canberra

“Canberra has world-class games talent and now the much-anticipated launch of the ACT Screen and Games Fund heralds a new era of support for Canberran game developers. With a very generous 1:2 expenditure ratio, this fund will help game developers stay in Canberra and build their studios here to create sustainable businesses and exports. It is great to see this new ACT Government initiative targeting game developers to help the industry as a whole flourish.” Jarrod Farquhar-Nicol, CanDev organiser

– Statement ends –

Media contact:

Jasmine Dickinson