Arts in Western Sydney

Funding opportunities and events

Dollys miracle hoard by Alison Bennett image credit Peter Darnley Stuart

Creative Western Sydney Micro-Grants Program 2026-27

Applications are now open

Independent artists and grassroots arts, culture and creative organisations across Western Sydney can now apply for micro-grants of between $3,000 and $10,000 to bring your creative projects to life.

Read the FAQs. Applications close 2pm on Monday 2 November 2026

Apply now

2026-27 Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program

Expressions of Interest now open.

Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program will support a wide range of projects and programs that increase sustainable growth and innovation across the region.

EOIs close 2pm Monday 28 September 2026

Read the guidelines

Book an online 1:1 meeting

Contact Create NSW for support for your Western Sydney program application

Frequently Asked Questions

Find FAQs for Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program.

Western Sydney First Nations Program

In its inaugural round, around $500,000 funding is supporting seven major First Nations-led projects, collectively strengthening the cultural, social and economic ecosystem of First Nations arts in Western Sydney.
Learn more

Creative Western Sydney Micro-Grants Program

Discover the 52 projects funded, delivered by 12 organisations, 33 individual artists and seven collectives, offering new opportunities for artists and experiences for audiences to enjoy.
Learn more

Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program

Learn about the 16 organisation-led projects funded, that bring together 89 partner organisations, to strengthen ecosystems and grow careers.
Learn more

Plan for Western Sydney Arts, Culture and Creative Industries

The NSW Government’s 3-year plan (2025-2028) aims to unleash the region’s untapped potential and chart a path for sustainable sector growth.

It will support arts, culture and creative industries in Western Sydney to deliver social and economic value. Over the next 3 years, the plan will start to redress inequity, prioritise First Nations creative innovation, and leverage the extraordinary vitality of the Western Sydney festival sector.

Western Sydney is 13 local government areas. It is home to NSW’s second largest population of Aboriginal people and is one of the fastest growing populations in Australia. The region's population come from more than 170 countries, speak over 100 languages, and will grow to over 3 million people in the next 20 years.

With this diversity and growth comes a thriving arts and culture sector. Local and state governments are investing in the region to provide opportunities and attract new audiences.

Arts facilities and infrastructure

Powerhouse Castle Hill

Artists Impression of the new Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta

Powerhouse Parramatta

Image of the outside of the Museum of History

Museums of History

Bankstown Arts Centre

Blacktown Arts Centre

Campbelltown Arts Centre

Fairfield City Museum and Gallery

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery

Liverpool Powerhouse

Penrith Performing and Visual Arts

Riverside Theatre

Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre

Find more arts and culture in Western Sydney

Western Sydney artist organisations and groups

Western Sydney Arts Alliance

Western Sydney Arts Alliance advocates for the vitality and uniqueness of Western Sydney’s artists and creatives.

A group of young people, crossing a street in yellow jump suits

Arts and Cultural Exchange

ACE provides creative support to some of Western Sydney’s most underrepresented communities.

_{Spellbound storytime performers Suraiya and Rubina, 2020. Photo: Chanel Bial}

A bright yellow background with two multi lingual story time performers standing in front of it, holding small wooden umbrellas, wearing bright coloured dresses and hijabs.

Parramatta Artists' Studios

Parramatta Artists’ Studios (PAS) is the home for creative production in Western Sydney. We empower and equip artists to build thriving and sustainable creative lives.

_{Work by Liam Benson, 5 cards, commissioned by Parramatta Artists' Studios. Photo by Jacquie Manning.}

A drag queen performer, Liam Benson and a woman sitting at a table, in front of a gold foil fringe background

Pari

Pari is an artist-run initiative in Parramatta. We are for art that tells stories that need to be told, sheds new light on old thinking, or tackles new ideas altogether.