Working Memory 2026 EOI

Working Memory EOI Guidelines PDF
Working Memory EOI Guidelines Word (DOCX 343.9KB)

White Bay Power Station stands on Gadigal land. 

White Bay is part of the Balmain Peninsula in the Inner West of Sydney and is one of the most recognised landmarks in the precinct.

White Bay Power Station finished construction in 1917 to power the rail network, and is now heritage listed.

The power station is exceptionally significant as the only one retaining machinery and equipment from before the 1950s, demonstrating the process of electricity production and its use throughout Sydney’s extensive rail network. It ceased power production on Christmas day in 1983.

This building is a decommissioned heritage facility which has no in-built live performance capability. Performances which are self-sustaining, site specific and limited in traditional theatre and contemporary performance infrastructure will be best suited to the space. There is no black box facility or draping available. 

Download the White Bay Power Station floorplans here:

Ground Floor (PDF 1MB)
First Floor (PDF 531.5KB)

Opportunities

2 x $20,000 Commissions
2 x $10,000 Commissions
2 x $5,000 Commissions 

Three of the six commissions will be identified for the following communities: Disability, First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse groups or individuals. We recognise that individuals may belong to more than one of these communities, and identified commissions will be awarded based on the balance of applications received to ensure a broad and inclusive representation of projects.

Access Stipend

Up to $3,000 is available in addition to the commission amount. The primary purpose of this stipend is to better accommodate access needs during the development of your work. For example, Auslan interpretation during rehearsals, funding care requirements or finding a development space which meets the physical needs of performers. However, projects are encouraged to also think about how to creatively embed access in the work such that the presentation is also more accessible. For example, performer led audio description or tactile interaction.  

To learn more about creative access, follow Accessible Arts who run regular workshops on the subject. 

Rehearsal Space

Inner West Council will support successful projects with two weeks of free access to a Town Hall or similar rehearsal space. 

Exact space and time allocations to be negotiated on balance of availability and project requirements.

The budget submitted with your application should include all project income and expenditure. Please add any in-kind contributions which you have already received or will receive for this project.

The NAVA guide to artists/performers fees should be used to ensure fair payment to artists.

Your budget should cover:

The development and presentation of the work – i.e artist fees for rehearsal and performance, design and build costs, community engagement.
How you will spend the access stipend.

Inner West Council or the Biennale of Sydney will cover: 

A limited stock of standard production elements. Equipment available includes simple lighting, PA and sound ops equipment, wireless microphones and risers. For bespoke or more complex production elements, the Biennale of Sydney will liaise with the artist on the extent of production support available. 
Front of house and audience management.
Auslan interpretation of relevant performances.
Photographic documentation of the work.

Budget exclusions:

Funding cannot be used for transport or accommodation, unless for access reasons. 
Events will be free to attend, so please do not include income from ticket sales in your submission.

Assessment Criteria

Expressions of Interest will be assessed by a panel of creative industry members including Inner West Council and Biennale of Sydney staff as well as independent practitioners.

Projects will be assessed against the following criteria:
Project’s artistic merit.
Project’s response to the curatorial statement and site.
Demonstrated experience or skills to deliver the project.
Practicality of the project’s budget.

Eligibility

Applications are welcomed from early career through to established practitioners presenting solo, collaborative or group presentations. All artforms relating to performance in the broadest sense will be considered. 

Inner West Council is committed to engaging with a diverse range of artists and encourages applications from members of the creative community across spectrums of ability, age, cultural identity, gender identity and sexual orientation.

Maximum one application per person / group.
Applicants must be Australian Residents over 18 years old.
Applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
If working with children, a valid Working With Children Check(WWCC) must be supplied with the application.
Successful applicants will enter a contract with Inner West Council and be required to supply Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20 million.

Preference is given to artists who live or work in the Inner West Council LGA, and have not presented a major program with Inner West Council in the last three years. This is considered in the balance of applications received. Artists who delivered a major or mid tier commission for EDGE Inner West 2024 are unable to apply. 

30 June, 9am - EOI Opens

10 July, 6pm - Online Information Session
Click here to register for this online information session, hosted by Inner West Council and the Biennale of Sydney. This session will be Auslan interpreted.

16 July, 2:30pm - Site Visit at White Bay Power Station
Click here to register for this in person site visit at White Bay Power Station hosted by Inner West Council and the Biennale of Sydney. This session will be Auslan interpreted. 

31 July, 4pm - EOI closes

September 2025 – Applicants notified

April 2026 - Performances

All applications must be submitted through Smarty Grants. 

Click here to go to Smarty Grants.

Applications open 30 June, 9am and close 31 July, 4pm.