Inner West Council funds creative work that strengthens cultural life in the Inner West. We offer two grants: up to $5,000 for individual artists developing their practice, and up to $10,000 for projects that bring arts and culture to Inner West communities.
Applications close: 4pm AEST, Friday 15 May 2026.
Apply Now: innerwest.smartygrants.com.au
Questions? Call 02 9392 5031
Overview
The objectives of the arts grant program are to:
- Promote a vibrant street life, support local business and encourage visitors
- Increase opportunities for community participation in arts and culture, including access to art in the public domain
- Encourage creative excellence and innovation in the content and delivery of arts projects and programs
- Contribute to the development and sustainability of artists and creative industries.
The following criteria will be considered in the process of assessing applications:
- Excellence and innovation in arts and creative practice and/or delivery of arts projects
- Impact of project and contribution to Council’s Community Strategic Plan and grant objectives
- Demonstrated capacity to deliver the project including relevant experience and supporting material, skills and time
- Realistic budget, including all sources of project income and quotes where relevant
Category One only
- Benefits to the artist's creative practice, career development or career sustainability
Category Two only
- Creative community benefits (including access to art in the public domain); and/or benefits to the creative sector
- Individual artists who are successful may need to supply proof of identity.
Inner West Council provides grants for projects that have not yet commenced, and in limited cases people who have not yet acquitted a previous grant may be eligible to apply again. In addition:
- Council does fund Parents and Citizen organisations but does not fund projects for schools
- Council only provides support for capital projects in the Environment grant stream, and Council does not provide support for interstate or overseas travel
- Council does not fund political parties or their activities
Applicants with support needs are encouraged to call the Creative Communities team on 02 9392 5031 or email creative.programs@innerwest.nsw.gov.au to discuss their needs. Grant applicants requiring support with their application are encouraged to reach out to Council on the above numbers to discuss their needs.
Council uses SmartyGrants administration software to manage its grants program. Applications must be submitted via the Inner West Council SmartyGrants webpage. Applications must meet the eligibility requirements, and no late applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
Category One: Artist support grants
Category Two: Arts project grants
For Art grant enquiries, please contact the Creative Communities team on 02 9392 5031 or email creative.programs@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.
