Targeted investment prioritises First Nations creatives in Western Sydney
Placing First Nations first, Western Sydney First Nations artists and organisations can now apply for new targeted funding that will support major steps toward developing their creative practice, networks, and a deeper connection within the Western Sydney and First Nations arts ecosystem.
Open for applications from today, Create NSW’s new Western Sydney First Nations Program is delivering a $500,000 grant program for a range of capacity building and professional development activities to boost the First Nations creative community in Western Sydney, laying the foundations for First Nations stories to take centre stage.
This targeted initiative will ensure investment directly supports First Nations artists in Western Sydney, fulfilling a key commitment in the Plan for Western Sydney Arts, Culture and Creative Industries 2025 – 2028 to prioritise First Nations so the world's oldest continuous culture can be shared and celebrated to endure for generations to come.
Eligible funding activities are broad, allowing individual artists, collectives and small-to-medium First Nations-led organisations to secure funding in both creative and practical areas of operations, such as venue costs, artist fees, workshop participation and increasing organisational capacity.
Individual First Nations artists and arts workers may apply for grants between $10,000 -$50,000, while First Nations-led organisations or collectives can apply for up to $100,000.
Applicants must have a physical presence within the 13 Western Sydney local government areas and at least 80 per cent of the activity must be delivered within Western Sydney, with some exceptions for professional development and skills building activity if services are not available locally.
The program is part of the $5 million Western Sydney Investment Program. It builds on Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program multi-year commitment in Western Sydney arts organisations of more than $5.6 million in 2026.
Applications close 31 March 2026. For more information, guidelines, resources, or to apply, visit create.nsw.gov.au
Create NSW Executive Director, Kerri Glasscock said:
“We are delivering on our commitment to prioritise First Nations artists in Western Sydney with this important targeted initiative. We urge First Nations artists and organisations in Western Sydney to take this opportunity that will close critical gaps and empower creatives to thrive.
“Create NSW’s investment will amplify First Nations voices across Western Sydney, nurture emerging talent and encourage collaboration that will energise the whole region’s arts and cultural ecosystem.”