Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections is a program providing opportunities to artists and community leaders from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, People of Colour and people who identify as culturally diverse.
Applications for the 2024/25 Cultural Connections EOI open 8 July - all the details and link to apply below.
Cultural Connections program 2023 - 2024
Cultural Education, Then & Now - Hayden Walsh
An intergenerational investigation into the Inner Wests' learning experiences of Aboriginal Culture and History
ON NOW -
More information
Satrang, Queer South Asian Art Exhibition - Trikone Australia
An art exhibition that celebrates the vibrant intersection of South Asian queer identities
More information
Stale Biskitz 20 Year Anniversary Jam - Jack Wardana
Dance workshops, one-on-one battle & showcase
More information
Bersama - Refugee Art Project & Taring Padi
A creative international exchange
More information
Storytelling Through Camera - SSI
Free storytelling and filmmaking workshops for children & teens
More information
Connected, The Rhythm Lives Within, Calling Us Home - Yacou Mbaye
A cross-cultural multidisciplinary production.
More information
Aims and objectives of the EOI
The Cultural Connections EOI is for the communities mentioned above to access resources to encourage:
- diverse representation in the arts
- an increase in cross cultural understanding
- engagement of children and young people in arts programming with a cultural perspective
- recognition of cultural diversity as an asset and contributor to innovative arts practice
- the development of the story about our local area and who we are.
Application process 2024
Application dates
Applications for the Cultural Connections Expression of Interest open Monday 8 July, 9am and close 5 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 sessions - Learn more about the EOI, tips for filling in your application, key dates and ask any questions you have.
Saturday 27 July, 11am - 12.30pm, Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative, 55-59 Flood Street, Leichhardt 2040.
Eligibility criteria / who can apply
- 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 over 18+
- All projects need to be documented and shared with Council for inclusion on Council’s website
- Unincorporated groups or non-Australian residents must be auspiced by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation
- Legally registered, incorporated not-for-profit organisations or groups
- 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 (e.g. Public Liability Insurance).
Assessment criteria / what your application needs to show
- The individual or team’s skills and experience to deliver the project (20%)
- How well the project meets 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%)
Timeline
EOI round opens via smartygrants |
9am, Monday 8 July 2024 |
EOI round closes |
3pm, Monday 5 August 2024 |
Assessment Panel review applications |
August 2024 |
Applicants notified |
September 2024 |
Agreements signed |
September 2024 |
Invoices processed |
September 2024 |
Projects delivered |
late September 2024 – June 2025 |
Projects acquitted (reported on) |
June 2025 |
Projects shared on Council’s website |
July/ August 2025 |
Documentation of the projects
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).
Guidelines
Cultural Connections Guidelines Guidelines 2024 - 2025 pdf (PDF 650.7KB) Guidelines 2024 - 2025 word doc (DOCX 2.5MB)
Got questions?
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
2024 application form portal - opens 8 July, 9am
Apply here