Inclusion Festival returns 21 November to 12 December 2026
Inclusion Festival 2026 - EOIs now open!
This year, Inclusion Festival is celebrating 10 years of disability leadership through the arts, and we want you to be part of it!
We’re seeking opportunities to support creative events, programs and activations that celebrate International Day of People with Disability across the Inner West.
Up to $5,000 (GST inclusive) is available to support accessible, disability-led program ideas, including:
- Art workshops and creative skills-building
- Talks, discussions and networking
- Exhibitions and performances
- Creative social and community events
- Inclusive and accessible arts activations
- Other disability-led creative projects.
When can projects be delivered?
Workshops, events or small-scale projects can apply for funding of up to $5000 to deliver a specific project during the Inclusion Festival period (21 November and 12 December 2026) or at any time up to 30 June 2027.
You may propose to run your project more than once, if you can do this within the total budget amount.
Apply now
Applications close Monday 5 October 2026 at 5pm.
If you have any questions or need support to submit your application, email community@innerwest.nsw.gov.au, or phone Finn on 02 9335 2139 or Caitlin on 02 9392 5236.
Inclusion Festival Short Film Hackathon
Join our fun, FREE short film workshop for people with disability!
Working in small groups, you'll learn how to plan, film and edit a short film in just 48 hours using your smartphone. No experience needed - mentors from The Story Mill will help you with every step!
When: 7 – 8 Nov 2026
Where: Haberfield Library
Who: People with disability aged 14 and over
Cost: Free!
The films you create will be screened at a red-carpet event on International Day of People with Disability!
Interested?
Applications close 26 October 2026, or as soon as all places are filled. Spots are limited!
Get in touch
If you have any questions about this event, or to discuss your access needs, please phone Finn on 02 9335 2139 or Caitlin on 02 9392 5236, or email community@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
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Inclusion Festival 2025 highlights
- Queer Daze – An accessibility-focused, queer, family-friendly afternoon featuring indie music DJs, stim activities, glitter, face painting, and relaxed disabled-friendly vibes.
- My Dog Saved My Life (Doggus Films Presentation) – Animation, storytelling and lived experience artist presentation exploring neurodivergence and queer identity.
- Let's Talk About Sex! (Disability Pride Sydney) – Conversations about disability, sexuality, gender and relationships.
- Festival Launch & Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony
- Filmable Short Film Festival – Hackathon Red Carpet premiere and Filmable Short Film showcase.
- Lived Experience Art Exhibition – An immersive exhibition celebrating disability, creativity and storytelling through art.
- Audionce: an interactive audiovisual installation designed to support d/Deaf and hearing musicians and non-musicians to experience collaborative musical improvisation.
- The Blue (Dulwich High School Support Unit) – Student art exhibition exploring imaginative worlds and creative expression.
- Together (Studio ARTES) – A celebration of disabled artists from the Inner West featuring inclusive performance and arts practices.
- Inclusion Festival Art & Craft Fair – Disabled artists and makers selling original artwork and handcrafted goods.
- Filmable Short Film Festival – Session 2 – Film screenings and Q&A with acclaimed disabled filmmakers.
- Come As You Art – A trauma-informed art therapy workshop exploring connection through sensory materials and creative expression.
- Hydro Disco Pool Party – An access-led water dance party created by artist Amy Claire Mills featuring inflatables, music, and the Midnight Feast dancers.
- Inner West CPSARA Connect Multisport Day – Try a range of sports in a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Passing Notes with Bec Street – An inclusive creative workshop making decorated notes and keepsakes as gifts.
Accessibility
Our vision is to model inclusive practice, to build a space where diversity is valued and thrives. We've put together an accessible events checklist, which you can download in PDF and Word format below.