New funding program backs Western Sydney’s creative future
Create NSW is investing in the future of Western Sydney’s creative communities with the launch of a new program that plays to the strengths of the region in cultivating innovative collaborations, nurturing talent, engaging audiences and unlocking creative spaces, paving the way for the next generation of artists and creative practitioners.
Organisations across the region can apply for funding through the inaugural Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program, designed to create and foster new partnerships, strengthen local creative ecosystems and share the region’s unique stories with the world.
Create NSW will invest a total of $2.15 million this financial year towards a range of projects and programs co-funded with arts and cultural organisations, councils, universities, philanthropists and businesses across Western Sydney.
The program will be delivered through matched investment ratios of 50/50% from local government, not-for-profit and First Nations corporation contributions, with the higher education and business sector to contribute 80% alongside the government’s 20% share.
Organisations can apply for co-funding through a two-stage process
- Expression of Interest (EOI) stage closing 12 December 2025.
- Application stage: Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit a detailed application early in 2026.
Applicants may register for an online information session to learn more about the program on
- Monday 1 December, 3-4pm or
- Wednesday 3 December, 1-2pm
The Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program is the first initiative to be rolled out as part of the $5 million Western Sydney Investment program, announced as part of the Plan for Western Sydney Arts, Culture and Creative Industries 2025 – 2028.
The program builds on ongoing investments in cultural infrastructure in Western Sydney, and recent Create NSW Arts and Cultural Funding Program multi-year funding commitments of over $5.6 million in Western Sydney arts organisations to be delivered in 2026 alone.
Create NSW Executive Director, Kerri Glasscock said:
“The Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program aims to be the catalyst to drive collaboration, support sustainable growth and unlock the immense potential of one of Australia’s fastest growing, dynamic and diverse creative communities.
“This new program builds on Create NSW’s current arts and cultural funding investment committed to creative communities across Western Sydney. By supporting collaborative partnerships and innovative initiatives, this program aims to further strengthen the region’s capacity to connect through arts and culture, grow audiences and nurture the immense creative talent living and working across Western Sydney.”
For more information and to submit an EOI visit create.nsw.gov.au