Apply for a Creative Kids voucher | Service NSW​

The NSW Government is helping kids get creative with the new Creative Kids program.

From 1 January 2023, parents, guardians and carers can apply for a $100 voucher for each school-enrolled child aged 4.5 to 18 years.

The voucher may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and tuition costs for a range of creative activities, including arts, drama, dance, digital design, coding and music lessons.

The current voucher, released on 1 January 2023, is valid until Friday 30 June 2023.

To use the voucher, give the details to your registered activity provider.

If you’re a parent, carer or guardian, the student will be eligible if they are:

• a NSW resident
• aged between 4.5 and 18 years
• enrolled in school (from Kindergarten to Year 12, including those who are home-schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW)
• a current Medicare card holder.

You can apply for a voucher for each eligible student.

You can use the voucher for registration, participation and tuition costs with approved Creative Kids providers.

• a MyServiceNSW Account
• one proof of identity document for the parent, carer or guardian
• your child’s Medicare card details.

1. Check the eligibility requirements and the types of activities.
2. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
3. Log in to your account, or sign up for a MyServiceNSW Account.
4. Follow the prompts to apply for the voucher.

Note: You can also apply for a voucher through the Service NSW app. If successful, you’ll find the voucher under the ‘Vouchers’ section of the app.

To use the voucher:

1. Choose the eligible provider where you’ll use the voucher.
2. At registration or payment time, provide the following information through the provider’s preferred process:

• child’s full name
• child’s date of birth
• Creative Kids voucher number.

Vouchers can only be used:

• one time (if the chosen activity fees are less than $100, the remaining balance cannot be used)
• during the period 1 January to Friday 30 June 2023
• for the person named on the voucher
• for registration or membership fees with approved Creative Kids providers.

Vouchers cannot be:

• split between more than one provider or registration
• redeemed for cash.

Activity categories

Visual arts

• Drawing
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Sketching
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Advertising
• Public art
• Screen
• Media arts
• Design
• Multimedia
• Craft
• Other Visual Arts

Creative industries

• Architecture
• Coding
• Industrial design
• Game design
• Augmented/virtual reality
• Graphic design
• Fashion design
• Radio
• Robotics

Literary and linguistics arts

• Creative writing
• Languages
• Publishing
• Public speaking
• Debating
• Poetry
• Spoken word
• Slam poetry

Performing arts

• Music
• Drama
• Singing
• Circus arts
• Choreography
• Parkour
• Theatre
• Dance
• Puppetry
• Other Performing Arts

Cultural programs

Structured learning activities with a focus on strengthening Aboriginal and culturally diverse community practices, for example, the Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge Program or Cultural Experience (Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities).

Eligible programs

An eligible program is a structured, focused program with clear creative skill development outcomes, delivered in real-time (live). The primary purpose is for children or young people to learn or participate in interactive creative or cultural activities.

The program must demonstrate value for money and be relevant to the age and skill level of participants. It must deliver on one of the eligible activities listed in the guidelines.

The following are eligible program delivery formats:

• in-person programs that involve learning and developing a specific creative skill (private or group-based)
  • creative materials are permitted for in-person programs if the items are being borrowed or used during the lesson for the purpose of developing a final artwork to take home (e.g. canvas)
  • only the final artwork can be taken home, not the creative materials that were used/borrowed to make the artwork
  • art kits and/or unused creative materials are not permitted for inclusion in any programs.
• online, live programs that involve learning and developing a specific creative skill (private or group-based). Online programs must:
  • be delivered in real-time and be interactive
  • have no more than 20 participants per lesson
  • be delivered by an individual or business based in NSW (online programs cannot be delivered from outside NSW, including interstate border towns, unless the provider is unable to deliver face-to-face programs due to COVID-19 restrictions, or their programs comprise both face-to-face and online elements)
  • not include creative materials or art kits as an inclusion within online programs.
• cultural and creative learning experience programs that provide skills and knowledge of cultural identity, for example, Aboriginal cultural learning workshops
• membership fee-based programs that include a structured creative arts program
• performance/exhibition-based programs that are delivered live (in real-time) either in-person or online must be followed by:
  • an interactive workshop, or
  • a masterclass or question time, relating to skills and artform development
• programs that support or link to the school curriculum, and co-curricular/extra-curricular activities.

Note: Voucher redemption for creative items, art kits, creative kits are no longer permitted and are ineligible from 1 March 2022. This includes, but is not limited to, paints, books, stationery, canvases, clothing, uniforms, leotards, instruments or other equipment.

Ineligible activities

• all programs that include the supply of any creative materials or art/craft kits (including those accompanied by written instructions or live lessons)
• online activities that have no live and interactive component (such as pre-recorded tutorials)
• online lessons that host more than 20 participants per online lesson
• after-school care services with no structured creative arts program
• membership fees that do not include a structured creative arts program
• school run competitions, concerts, drama programs, including weekend activities or inter-school competitions or activities.

Ineligible activity categories

• cookery classes
• games and gaming (such as board games, chess, digital games)
• gardening
• gymnastics
• aerobic dance
• martial arts
• pole dancing
• physical culture
• yoga.

Note: Ineligible activities will be regularly reviewed.

Ineligible costs

• creative materials and art/creative kits, including but not limited to paints, books, stationery, canvases, clothing, uniforms, leotards, instruments or other equipment – creative materials are permitted for in-person programs if the materials are being borrowed or used during the class for the purpose of developing a final artwork to take home, such as canvas painting
• examination fees for qualifications and assessment
• travel costs to and from activities.