The Beyond the Studio - Audience Engagement Program 2026 encourages and supports Inner West studio-based artists, collectives, makers spaces and Artist-Run-Initiatives (ARIs) to create public engagement initiatives that showcase their work, engage the local community and/or bring new audiences to the Inner West. This pilot program empowers artists to identify business and audience development opportunities that best fit their needs.
2026 Program
Annandale Ghost
113 Parramatta Road Annandale
Annandale Ghost is the studio extension project of artists Katy B Plummer and Kuba Dorabialski. It is a new, multi-generational, multi-arts venue on grimy, gorgeous Parramatta Road, hosting occasional gigs, screenings, community events, workshops and artist-run studio sales.
Light, Texture, Sound: An Introduction to Creative Videography
This project delivers a two‑weekend creative videography introduction led by artist Jade Boyd at Our Neon Foe, offering hands-on skills in filming, editing, composition and gimbal use, while fostering collaboration, shared learning and artistic confidence as local participants explore how light, sound and movement shape meaningful visual storytelling and expression.
First Nations Screen Printing Experience
Discover the processes and stories behind First Nations textiles and the traditional art of fabric printing at an immersive screen printing experience that encourages you to give it a go yourself! Join us for a unique series of workshops where attendees are given the rare opportunity to print their own length of Merrepen Arts designer Kieren Karritpul's fabric design, Fishnets (Walipan)
Publisher Textiles & Papers on facebook
The Art Pantry pop up
September 2026
Pei and Kim, inspired by their shared love of illustration, coffee, and pastries, created The Art Pantry—an illustration market in Newtown that celebrates the breadth of the practice by showcasing diverse illustrators, hosting creative workshops, and offering unique works such as prints, zines, posters, postcards, original art, and art games.
OnePlus2 Artist Studios Open Doors 2026
19-20 September
483 Balmain Rd, Lilyfield
OnePlus2 Artist Studios is open to the public on the weekend of 19-20 September. Visit our working studios and take part in free artist-led workshops, including fibre arts weaving, photography studio lighting, introductory portrait drawing, life drawing, and drawing with collage. Take the opportunity to talk to local artists and see inside the studios of 40 artists.
One2StudiosRozelle on Facebook
Open Studio Meet the Artist
Visit the working studio of Professional Artist Christine Webb, for an artists talk and Q&A session of working practices and advice. Works will be available to purchase from the stockroom, and enrolments in classes taken. Easy access with 9 steps and hand rail, refreshments and snacks provided.
https://www.facebook.com/christinewebbartist
Makers Frontyard Trail
Saturday 10 October 2026
Ashfield area
Makers Frontyard Trail celebrates local creativity with handmade jewellery, ceramics, honey, crochet, preserves, upcycled clothing, textiles, chocolates and more, offering warm welcomes from makers in their front yards and inviting everyone to explore new streets, meet neighbours, enjoy the outdoors and discover unique treasures found only along the Trail.
Public Showcase of Milly Dent’s Experimental, Sculptural, and Illuminated Ceramic Works
17 - 18 October 2026
Carriageworks, Sydney
At the Sydney Ceramic Market, Milly Dent will showcase experimental sculptural ceramic lighting exploring light and shadow, offering visitors an artful experience of contemporary ceramics, with opportunities to discuss her process, and later attend studio visits and demonstrations revealing the techniques and making behind her innovative works for the public.
Re-Form: Relaunching My Ceramic Practice
17 - 18 October 2026
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh, Sydney
Re‑Form reconnects ceramic artist Alice Adler’s practice with the community after her relocation from the UK to Sydney and return from maternity leave. The project culminates in her interactive stall at the 2026 Sydney Ceramics Market, transforming a market space into an artist‑led learning environment that strengthens creative connection and engagement in the Inner West.
https://www.aliceadlerceramics.com/
Sydney Street Fair
December 2026
The Sydney Street Fair is a grassroots collaboration between small‑business owners, artists and freelancers in Marrickville, uniting the community to celebrate local creative culture, returning for its second year with market stalls from hundreds of makers, multiple music stages and a dedicated kids craft space that brings vibrancy and connection to the neighbourhood.
Monster Mouse Skill Share and Open Studios
Step inside Monster Mouse Studios and experience our vibrant creative community. Explore diverse art practices, join interactive workshops and demonstrations, and meet local artists. Enjoy a gallery showcase and mini art market where you can discover original works, book workshops, and connect through a day of creativity and community.
Dates to be annouced.
7 Sydney St Marrickville
Application process and overview
Aims
The program aims to:
- To increase access to arts and culture for local audiences through artist-led experiences of creative practice (this does not include exhibition funding)
- Foster collaboration between artists and small arts organisations and increase profile of creative studios and precincts
- Support audience development opportunities for local creatives through new networks, sales opportunities and/or experiences
- Showcase excellence and diversity of the Inner West Creative sector.
Key dates
The Arts grant round is currently closed.
Successful applicants will be notified by 10 December 2026. Eligible projects may begin from 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026, and applicants will be required to submit an online acquittal within 1 month of their project end date.
Funding available
Funding is available for activity that will take place from 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026. The program also supports artists with the marketing, promotion, evaluation and documentation of their projects.
There are three project funding tiers available:
- Tier 1 Solo projects: up to $1,000 (only open to individuals e.g. where cost is a barrier to them participating in an established event)
- Tier 2 Mid-tier projects: up to $5,000 (may be groups or individuals)
- Tier 3 Major group projects: up to $10,000 (large-scale collaborative opportunities that involve multiple creatives)
Guidelines
Applications will be assessed by a panel of creative industry professionals, including Inner West Council staff and at least one external independent peer.
Applications will be assessed against the following weighted selection criteria:
- How well your project meets the program aims (50% weight)
- Collaboration with other Inner West creatives (25% weight)
- Feasibility of the project, considering (25% weight):The individual or groups’ skills and experience to deliver the project
- Detail of your marketing strategy and budget
- A practical and realistic project budget (breakdown of what you intend to spend the money on, with quotes for any items over $500).
Consideration will be given to the diversity and geographic distribution of projects to ensure broad and equitable representation.
Applications are open to individual artists, groups of artists and arts organisations based in the Inner West LGA across all forms of creative practice (visual artists, ceramicists, designers, musicians, recording studios, textiles, multidisciplinary etc.)
Projects must occur in the Inner West LGA (except where an Inner West-based artist is requesting support to participate in a relevant industry event held outside the Inner West LGA).
Applicants must:
- reside or have their studio or creative space in the Inner West LGA
- be Australian residents or permanent residents aged 18+
- be covered by Public Liability Insurance for at least $20mil for a one-off event
- If relevant, provide a valid Working with Children clearance
- Only one application per person/group is permitted
- Exhibition-only proposals will not be accepted. Applications must be focussed on public engagement such as talks, workshops or community involvement.
Make sure you sign up to one of the EOI information sessions, where there will be opportunity for Q&A.
For enquiries or to discuss your proposal please contact:
Olivia Patchett, Creative Producer (Mon-Thurs) on 02 9335 2123 or olivia.patchett@innerwest.nsw.gov.au or
Belinda Walter, Creative Producer (Mon-Fri) on 02 9392 5784 or belinda.walter@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Support and Accessibility
Please get in touch if you need support or adjustments to the application process. Council is committed to showcasing diverse voices from our community and welcome those who may need access regarding disability, language barriers, and navigating application processes. Adjustments cannot be made once the application deadline has passed.
Please read the guidelines above before submitting your application.
Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants here.
Applications are currently closed.