Cultural Connections

The Cultural Connections EOI is for the communities mentioned above to access resources to encourage:

• diverse representation in the arts
• cross-cultural understanding
• arts participation for children and young people with a cultural perspective
• recognition of cultural diversity as an asset and contributor to innovative arts practice
• sharing stories about our local area and who we are

• Applications for the Cultural Connections Expression of Interest open Monday 7 July, 9am and close Monday 4 August, 3pm.
• People interested in applying are advised to read the Guidelines available below to ensure they understand the requirements and Cultural Connections program.
• Information session - Learn more about the EOI, tips for filling in your application, key dates and ask any questions you have.
• Monday 30 June, 4pm - 4.30pm, Marrickville Pavilion, 313 Marrickville Road, Marrickville (adjoins Marrickville Library).

• Applicants must reside in the Inner West or be undertaking projects that benefit the Inner West community
• Applicants do not need to identify as an artist or creative, however the proposal must have a creative outcome
• Australian residents or permanent residents aged 18+
• Unincorporated groups or non-Australian residents must be auspiced by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• Legally registered, incorporated not-for-profit organisations
• If working with children a valid /current Working with Children Check (WWCC) must be provided
• All applications must be submitted online through smartygrants
• Only one application per person/group is permitted
• Successful applicants will be required to enter a contract with Council and to supply relevant insurances or licenses (Public Liability Insurance $20mil)
• The panel will consider the spread of new and returning artists to the program each year

• The individual or team’s skills and experience to deliver the project (20%)
• How well the project meets two or more of the EOI aims (30%)
• The benefits of the project to community (30%)
• How practical and achievable the project is within the proposed budget (this includes clear documentation of what you intend to spend the money on with quotes for any items over $500) (20%)

Successful applicants will be required to document their project as a resource for others to engage with.

The documentation must include:

• a showcase of the work/ project which meets Council’s standards (file size/ quality – this could be a sound file, recording, photography, illustration etc)
• a short description of the project and outcome to accompany the work as well as artists names, social media links and a promotional image 1800px x 750px
  This documentation will be shared on Council’s website and will need to be compatible with Council’s website (e.g. YouTube video, mp3, pdf, jpeg)

A professional photographer will attend one hour of each program, this will be arranged and paid for by Council.

Cultural Connections Guidelines 2025 - 2026 Guidelines pdf (PDF 713.1KB) Guidelines word doc (DOCX 1.4MB)

Cultural Connections Information session with notes ppxt (PPTX 5MB) Cultural Connections Information session with notes pdf (PDF 1.1MB)

Am I eligible?

There are different categories you can apply under depending on who you are:

Individual local - you must be 18+, living in the Inner West, Australian resident / permanent resident.

Organisation - you must be a legally registered, Incorporated, Not For Profit organisation

Individual non local / not permanent Australian resident - you must be auspiced by a legally registered, Incorporated, Not For Profit organisation.

*All projects must have a creative outcome / benefit the Inner West. All applications must be submitted online through smartygrants unless pre-arranged with the grants administrator. Any projects engaging children and young people must provide a valid Working With Children Check. Successful applicants will be required to enter a contract with Council and
supply relevant insurances (Public Liability Insurance $20mil).

Can I apply if I have already been part of the program before?

Yes, all applications are welcome. The panel will consider the spread of opportunities to new and return applicants while also assessing applications strength against each assessment criteria.

If I wasn't successful in the past should I apply again?

Yes, please do. Please always ask for feedback once you have been notified of your funding outcome. Panels usually provide guidance and good tips about what would have made your application stronger. It's best you ask for feedback after being notified but you are also welcome to ask for feedback at a later stage.

What makes a strong application?

Generally, a stronger application will have support material showcasing they have the experience to deliver what they are proposing to – could be film, photos of similar work they have delivered to what they are proposing. They will have a support letter (email even) from someone who has worked with them who outlines that they have the skills, experience to do what they are proposing – and speaks to their strengths. They may have support material from other artists or community demonstrating a need for/interest in the project. If they have any partners, they can upload emails from them saying they are involved and in what way + support for project.

A strong application has a detailed budget based on actual costs (with quotes for items over $500) and pays artists fairly (the application form directs applicants to industry standards). It needs to outline the benefit to Inner West residents. All projects must have a creative outcome and be delivered in the Inner West (creative outcome does not have to be event based it could be delivery of a podcast etc).

Most importantly they need to show how well their project meets/talks to two of the Program aims which are:

This program is an opportunity for community to collaborate with Council and to access resources to encourage: 
• diverse representation in the arts 
• cross-cultural understanding
• arts participation for children and young people with a cultural perspective
• recognition of cultural diversity as an asset and contributor to innovative arts practice
• sharing stories about our local area and who we are.

Being familiar with the guidelines and looking through the information session presentation will help you understand and apply for the program.

I'm interested in using a council venue for my project, should I arrange that first?

While it is not necessary it will help firm up your project and indicate to the panel that you have taken some steps towards being able to deliver your project. You should attach any communication you have about a Council venue to your application. For people who find navigating Council processes difficult this is the role of Council's Program Manager to assist you through these processes, however we can not guarantee your desired location/ time slot will be available.  Applications for the Creative Town Halls are eligibility tested and do have a fee scale - more information is available here.

You can reach out to Council's Community Arts Project Officer, Monday - Thursday, 8.30am - 4pm, via phone 9335 2293 or email raffaela.cavadini@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Apply here