by FilmInk Staff
Create NSW, Screen NSW and Sound NSW, in partnership with Accessible Arts, are inviting creative industries organisations across NSW to join the largest Createability Internship Program ever as champions of accessible employment for Deaf and Disabled creative practitioners.
The 2027 Createability Internship Program is seeking up to 16 organisations in the arts, screen, music and creative industries to host paid internship roles that provide meaningful professional development and hands-on experience for talented practitioners who find barriers to employment in the creative industries.
This long-running initiative has allowed host organisations to gain insights and strategies around access and inclusion, delivering positive outcomes for their whole workforce. A number of Createability host organisations participate year after year.
Up to $200,000 in funding, a 33 per cent increase from the previous program, is available to support an increased number of organisations to join as hosts in 2027, offering paid internship roles ranging from 4-weeks’ equivalent (160hrs) to up to 8-weeks’ equivalent (320hrs).
Across regional NSW, Western Sydney and metropolitan Sydney, previous Createability hosts include Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC – Compass, ABC Children and Family, and triple j), Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Cementa, Curious Works, Endemol Shine Australia, Erth Visual and Physical Theatre Inc, Mushroom Group, PYT Fairfield, Performance Space, SBS, Sydney Theatre Company, Tantrum Youth Arts, WestWords and Yours and Owls Festival.
In previous years, Createability host organisations have offered rewarding and life-changing opportunities for Disabled or Deaf creatives, in some cases leading to ongoing employment and other long-term positive outcomes.
Up to 22 interns with suitable skills, interests and experience will be carefully matched to each role through an application process, opening in late 2026.
The 2027 Createability Internship Program is supported by Create NSW, Screen NSW and Sound NSW, and delivered in partnership with NSW peak arts and disability organisation Accessible Arts. In addition to grants, host organisations receive training from Accessible Arts to improve access and inclusion to remove the barriers that people with disability often face in the workplace.
Kerri Glasscock, Executive Director Create NSW said: “Create NSW is proud to support the ground-breaking Createability Internship Program. This program has achieved profound outcomes for organisations and interns alike, bringing us a step closer to a more diverse and accessible creative industries sector. In 2027, we’ll support more organisations and more internships than ever before, removing barriers to accessible employment across the arts, cultural and creative industries.”
Kylie Munnich, Executive Director Screen NSW said: “Expanding Createability in 2027 is a positive step forward for access and inclusion across the creative industries. This program has delivered many great outcomes over the years, by introducing passionate practitioners to screen industry hosts, who benefit from the talented participants. This creates pathways to further opportunities in the screen sector.”
Emily Collins, Head of Sound NSW said: “A thriving music industry depends on diverse voices, perspectives and experiences. Sound NSW is excited to double our support in 2027. It’s a great opportunity for both interns and organisations to build professional skills and safe spaces in workplaces, moving us closer to a more inclusive and accessible music industry.”
Liz Martin, Accessible Arts CEO said: “Accessible Arts is delighted to deliver the largest and most impactful Createability program ever in 2027. Increasing access, opportunity and inclusion across the creative industries workforce delivers meaningful benefits for creatives, organisations and the sector as a whole.”
Applications for 2026-27 Createability Host Organisations are open until 15 October 2026. For more information or to apply, visit create.nsw.gov.au
Image: Cassandra Li (intern) and Bronwyn Papantonio (Campbelltown Arts Centre)
