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: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/venues-for-hire/creative-town-halls.