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 Tuesday 30 June, 9am and close Monday 3 August, 3pm.
• People interested in applying are advised to read the Guidelines available below to ensure they understand the requirements and Cultural Connections program.

• People who have read the Cultural Connections Guidelines and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the program.
• Australian residents or permanent residents aged 18+
• Projects must be delivered in the Inner West Local Government Area (Sydney)
• Projects must benefit Inner West residents
• Applicants do not need to identify as creatives, but projects must have a creative outcome
• Projects that included elements with First Nations content must provide evidence in their application that the appropriate approvals have been provided 
• Organisations that are Legally registered, incorporated not-for-profit (NFP)
• Unincorporated groups or non-Australian residents must be auspiced by an incorporated (NFP) organisation 
   

• The individual or team’s skills and experience to deliver the project
• How well the project meets two or more of the EOI aims
• The benefits of the project to community
• 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)

Cultural Connections Guidelines 2026 - 2027 Guidelines pdf (PDF, 669.50KB) (PDF 713.1KB) Guidelines word doc (DOCX, 924.40KB) (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 - you must be 18+, Australian resident / permanent resident.

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

Not permanent Australian resident / Unincorporated group  - you must be auspiced by a legally registered, Incorporated, Not For Profit organisation.

*All projects must have a creative outcome / benefit the Inner West / be delivered in 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). Projects that included elements with First Nations content must provide evidence in their application that the appropriate approvals have been provided 

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 and the need for the project they are proposing. 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 you may like to check if he venue you are interested in is available. 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 the Cultural Connections Program Manager to assist you through these processes, however we can not guarantee your desired location/ time slot will be available.

You can reach out to Council's Creative Producers:
Raffaela, Monday - Thursday, 8.30am - 4pm, via phone 02) 9335 2293 or email raffaela.cavadini@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Hannah, Monday - Friday,9.30am - 5pm via phone 02) 9392 5307 or email hannah.rouse@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Apply here