Funding support for First Nations artists, creatives and organisations in Western Sydney
Grants for First Nations artists, creatives, collectives and First Nations-led organisations based in Western Sydney to support cultural and creative projects, capacity building, audience development and organisational strengthening.
Funding can cover fees, governance and ICIP compliance, venue hire, project delivery, marketing and related costs within the approved project period.
Eligible applicant types:
- Emerging First Nations artists and arts workers (individuals developing their creative practice or career)
- Micro First Nations-led organisations (very small, volunteer run organisations with turnover under $250,000 and limited governance capacity)
- Small First Nations-led organisations (1–5 paid staff, turnover between $250,000–$1 million, and some governance systems)
- Medium First Nations-led organisations (5–20 staff, turnover between $1–$5 million, delivering regional or state level programs)
- First Nations collectives seeking formalisation (informal groups of First Nations artists or cultural practitioners working together but not yet incorporated)
All applicants must complete the Creative Nations Ethical Section in the SmartyGrants form and, to be eligible, must:
- identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander under the three-part criteria (descent, self-identification, community acceptance)
- live in one of the Western Sydney LGAs listed in the guidelines
Eligible Western Sydney LGAs: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, City of Parramatta, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith, The Hills Shire, Wollondilly.
Projects must start by 2026-07-01 and be completed by 2027-06-30.
Evidence requirements at application stage are light-touch; formal confirmations (e.g., signed ICIP agreements, FPIC letters, governance documents) will be requested if the application is successful and before funding agreement finalisation.
Applicants must submit the application online via SmartyGrants no later than 2:00 PM on 2026-03-31 and address the assessment criteria.
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Last updated: 16 March 2026