Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program

Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program
The Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program provides support for organisations to deliver key programs in Western Sydney to support the diverse arts, culture and creative industries sector of the region.
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Key information

  • Status: Closed
  • Grant amount: The maximum grant value is $2,150,000 (excluding GST).
  • Application opened: 25 November 2025
  • Application closed: 12 December 2025, 2:00 pm

Program objective

The Western Sydney Strategic Partnership Program aims to establish partnerships and programs that strengthen the arts, culture and creative industries in Western Sydney through the following focus areas:  

  • skills development 
  • organisational capacity building 
  • audience development 
  • development of partnerships 
  • investment sourcing 
  • creative activation of spaces 

Through partnerships with the sector and delivery of targeted programs, the Program will address gaps in the above focus areas for Western Sydney creative organisations and workers. 

The intended long-term outcomes of the Program are: 

  • A more connected sector in Western Sydney through partnerships  
  • Development of artists and creative workers’ practices in Western Sydney  
  • Improved or new income streams for organisations  
  • Increased capacity of organisations to retain staff, deliver impactful programs and enhance community engagement 

Find answers to common questions to assist with Expression of Interest and detailed applications here.

Image credit: Western Sydney Plan launch – Photographer: Toby Zerna

This program is administered by Create NSW.

Eligibility

Who can apply

You must:  

  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW.  
  • Have a business account with an Australian financial institution.  
  • Be one of these legal entity types:  
    • Incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust  
    • Incorporated association  
    • Joint (consortia) application (with a lead organisation as the primary applicant)  
    • Registered charity or not-for-profit   
    • Publicly funded research organisation  
    • Tertiary institution delivering creative programs   
    • Local government body  
    • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation. 
  • Be registered for GST. 
  • Be located or have a physical presence in one or more of these Local Government Areas (LGAs): 
    • Blacktown City
    • Blue Mountains City
    • Camden Council
    • Campbelltown City
    • Cumberland Council
    • Fairfield City
    • Hawkesbury City
    • Liverpool City
    • Penrith City
    • The City of Canterbury-Bankstown
    • The City of Parramatta
    • The Hills Shire
    • Wollondilly Shire.

Types of projects funded under this grant

  • Skills development programs  
  • Organisational capacity building  
  • Audience development initiatives  
  • Partnership development  
  • Investment sourcing  
  • Creative use of space and infrastructure.

What costs you can apply for

Costs must:  

  • be directly related to the program/project
  • be within the program/project period  
  • reflect fair market rates
  • be a true and accurate reflection of costs required to deliver the activity.

Examples of eligible project costs include, but are not limited to:  

  • Staff costs for project delivery  
  • capital costs
  • fit-out costs  
  • rent/leasing and utilities costs
  • marketing and communications  
  • the cost of any agreed project activities you contract to individuals, suppliers or other organisations, such as:  
    • artist fees  
    • equipment hire.

Who can’t apply

You are not eligible to apply if you are:  

  • insolvent  
  • an individual 
  • a partnership 
  • an unincorporated association  
  • a state or federal government departments or body (except tertiary education providers)  
  • a state cultural institution 
  • a screen production company or film festival.

What costs you can't apply for

The grant cannot be used for the following costs: 

  • the purchase of land or property 
  • the component of labour expenditure for employment not directly related to delivery of the program (i.e. where a full-time employee is engaged to deliver the program alongside other activity, only a proportion of expenditure would be eligible) 
  • costs for activities that have commenced or been completed prior to the execution of a funding deed 
  • costs incurred in the preparation of a grant application or related documentation 
  • costs not directly related to the delivery of the program 
  • costs for activities that will not be delivered prior to the end of the project period.

Example projects

  • A local council partnering with a First Nations organisation to deliver youth arts workshops 
  • A creative business and a not-for-profit are developing an audience engagement strategy 
  • A multi-partner project activating unused spaces for cultural programs. 

What co-contributions are required

To apply, you must contribute money or in-kind support (such as free venue hire or volunteer time) to the overall costs of your project. The amount depends on your organisation type.  

A 50% contribution is required for: 

  • Local councils 
  • Registered charities or not-for-profit organisations 
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander corporations. 

80% contribution is required for all other organisation types. So, this includes: 

  • For-profit businesses (creative enterprises, consultancies, etc.) 
  • Tertiary education providers (universities and colleges delivering creative programs) 
  • Publicly funded research organisations 
  • Incorporated trustees on behalf of a trust 
  • Any other incorporated entity that doesn’t fall under the 50% category 

Essentially, if you’re not in the 50% list, you’re in the 80% group. 

How to calculate contributions for partnerships 

If your project has partners from different organisation types, work out the average contribution like this: 

Step 1: Add the required percentages for each partner. 

Step 2: Divide by the number of partners. 

Example: 

  • University = 80% 
  • Local arts organisation = 50% 

Calculation:   

(80% + 50%) ÷ 2 = 65% total contribution 

Additional eligibility requirements

  • Funded activities must be delivered between 1 May 2026 and 30 June 2027.
  • One application per applicant will be assessed. If more than one application is submitted an applicant will be asked to nominate which application is progressed for assessment and all other applications will be withdrawn from consideration. 

Most recent recipients

All recipients (16)

What your application needs to include

1

Prepare your application with this checklist

  • Completed EOI or full application form
  • Project summary and objectives
  • Budget and co-contribution details
  • Evidence of strategic alignment
  • Letters of support or partnership confirmation
  • Timeline and delivery plan
2

Address the eligibility criteria

Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.

3

Address the assessment criteria

Expression of Interest Assessment Criteria 

1. Focus Area Alignment and Capability

Describe your program and why you are proposing it. 

  • Provide a brief description of how the program targets one or more of the focus areas
  • Identify the problem the program aims to solve with evidence.

2. Partnerships and Delivery Methods 

How and with whom will you deliver the program? 

  • Describe the current status of any partnerships proposed as part of the delivery model (i.e., confirmed, in negotiation, not yet commenced). 
  • Provide a brief program management and delivery plan.

3. Outcomes for Participants 

What are the intended outcomes for program participants? 

  • Outline outcomes the program intends to deliver to participants related to the focus areas. 
  • Detail the unique value of the program for Western Sydney participants 

4. Budget and Contributions

What is your proposed budget for program delivery? 

  • Provide an indicative budget for the program including contributions from the applicant and/or partner organisations. 

Detailed Application Assessment criteria 

1. Focus Area Alignment and Capability - 25%

Describe your program or project, why you are proposing it and how your organisation is best placed to deliver it. 

  • Outline the problem the program aims to solve clearly and with evidence.  
  • Provide a detailed description of how the program targets one or more of the focus areas and the intended impact on these areas.  
  • Outline capacity and capabilities of the organisation (and its partners) to deliver the program of activity 
  • Provide relevant track record for delivering similar programs and activities 

2. Partnerships and Delivery Methods - 20%

How your program will be delivered. 

  • Provide a clearly outlined approach to delivery, whether the program is delivered by a single organisation or in partnership with other businesses, local councils, universities or government. 
  • For delivery methods other than a single organisation, provide a detailed description of the governance model, including decision-making, dispute resolution, risk management and membership requirements. 
  • Outline an accessibility plan ensuring communities, including First Nations, CaLD, d/Deaf and people with disability are able to participate in the program. 

3. Outcomes for Participants - 20%

What outcomes and impacts will your program achieve? 

  • Address the outcomes the program will deliver to participants related to the focus areas. 
  • Provide a detailed evaluation method/plan to demonstrate outcomes and impacts for intended and priority audiences/participants. 
  • Demonstrate that the program is unique and tailored to deliver specific benefits for Western Sydney participants. 

4. Budget and Contributions - 20%

What will the program cost and how are program partners contributing? 

  • Submit a clearly stated and detailed budget for the program, including contributions from the applicant and/or partner organisations.   
  • Provide detail on the ratio of in-kind support to cash contributions. 
  • Ensure that in-kind supports are considered, detailed and appropriate for the program. 

5. Sustainability - 15%

Can the program be sustained? 

  • Describe how the program will continue to demonstrate impact after the funding period

Start the application

 The Program has two-stages:

  1. Expression of Interest (EOI) - assessed against the eligibility and EOI assessment criteria
  2. Detailed Application - assessed against the detailed assessment criteria.

The two-stage process has been designed in recognition of the resourcing required to prepare a detailed application.  

Expression of Interest 

To apply, applicants must:  

  • Complete and submit an EOI form online via the SmartyGrants portal before the Program closes at 2:00 PM on Friday 12 December, and  
  • Provide all information requested, including any supporting documentation, in line with the instructions provided in the form. 

Detailed Application 

Applicants who are successful through the Expression of Interest process will be invited to complete a detailed application for assessment.  

Create NSW will upload a detailed application form in the SmartyGrants portal for all applicants selected to participate in the detailed application stage. The completed detailed application form must be submitted by 2:00pm Friday 6 March.  

To apply, you must:  

  • Complete the detailed application form 
  • Submit the detailed application through the SmartyGrants portal  
  • Provide all information requested  
  • Address all the assessment criteria  
  • Include all necessary attachments.  

You have the option to create a SmartyFile profile for your organisation. SmartyFile allows organisations to collaborate with team members, pre-fill information into forms, and manage, view, search and sort submissions across multiple funders in one spot. To learn more, go to About SmartyFile. 

Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.


Apply now

After the application is submitted

Successful applications will be decided by: Secretary, DCITHS.

Pre-eligibility

All submitted applications are initially reviewed against the eligibility criteria set out above in the program guidelines. Eligibility assessments will be conducted by Create NSW staff. 

If further information is required to determine the applicant’s or application’s eligibility, a request will be made to the applicant in writing before the eligibility assessment is completed. Where an application’s eligibility on one or more criteria remains uncertain, a final eligibility determination will be made by the Director, Program Development and Delivery, and presented to the Executive Director, Create NSW, for approval. 

If an application is deemed ineligible, applicants will be notified by email within 14 days of the round closing. 

Eligible applicants will proceed to the next stage of the assessment process. 

Expression of Interest Assessment 

All applicants proceeding to this stage will be assessed against the expression of interest assessment criteria.  

EOI assessments will be conducted by an assessment panel comprising a minimum of three qualified and experienced representatives from Create NSW and other NSW government organisations.  

Applications are compared against other applications and given an initial ranking/prioritisation. They will consider the assessment criteria, distribution, range, and scale of the initial recommendations. This may include prioritising applications and activities with outcomes that better meet the Program objectives or address and ensure equity and the best outcomes for NSW Government investment.  

The assessment panel may recommend that an application is conditionally successful, subject to further development. This may include connecting multiple applicants to co-design a program for submission at the detailed application stage. 

In these instances, Create NSW will provide detailed feedback to the applicant, or applicants, to consider. 

The Executive Director, Create NSW, is the decision maker for the outcomes of the Expression of Interest process. 

Detailed Application Assessment 

All applicants that proceed to the detailed application stage will be contacted via SmartyGrants and invited to submit a Stage Two Application Form. The Stage Two Application Form must be submitted by 2:00pm on Friday 6 March via the SmartyGrants portal.  

Stage Two assessments will be conducted by an assessment panel comprising representatives with relevant experience and skill, including a senior representative from Create NSW and a minimum of three independent assessors from Western Sydney who will assess the applications against the published assessment criteria. External experts/advisors may be invited to provide advice during any part of the assessment process. 

The assessment panel will assess all eligible applications against the published assessment criteria.  

The assessment panel’s scores will be amalgamated and presented at an assessment meeting to determine their final recommendations. They will consider the assessment criteria, distribution, range, and scale of the initial recommendations. This may include prioritising applications and activities with outcomes that better meet the Program objectives or address and ensure equity and the best outcomes for NSW Government investment. 

Assessment process considerations

Applicants should note that: 

  • The NSW Government typically receives far more applications than it can support.
  • You are not guaranteed funding even if your application meets the published criteria.
  • If you are successful, your application may not be funded to the amount you requested. 

Create NSW may, at its sole discretion and at any stage of the application process, do all or any of the following: 

  • Require additional information from an applicant.
  • May request applicants to provide clarification or additional information regarding the eligibility criteria.
  • Change the scope of the requirements of these guidelines.
  • Vary, amend (including by replacement), or terminate the application process. 
  • Re-open an application after the closing date, provided it doesn’t give the applicant an advantage over other applicants. 
  • Consider any non-conforming or late application.  
  • Request further advice and/or clarification from applicants during the assessment process.  

Successful Grant Applications

If your application is successful, you will be sent a funding agreement (contract). This outlines the conditions of funding, how you will be paid and your reporting requirements.

All applicants must:

  • complete an acquittal at the end of the funding period. This may include an online meeting to discuss outcomes of the project/program.
  • acknowledgment of Create NSW funding in all publicity materials.

You may be asked by Create NSW staff to provide additional information as a special condition to the agreement:

  • a Connection to Place Statement and reference letter or letters from First Nations peers or community groups, to show details of your Cultural Artform Affirmation and how you are working withFirst Nations Protocolsand ICIP.
  • a detailed budget
  • Other information as specified by the assessment panel.

Contracts will not be issued, and payments will not be made, until all Create NSW outstanding acquittals have been submitted.

Publication of grants information

The Grants Administration Guide (Guide) requires that certain information is published in relation to grants awarded no later than 45 calendar days after the grant agreement takes effect (see section 6.5 of the Guide and Appendix A to the Guide).

This information is also open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act), which must be made publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.

In accordance with these requirements, relevant information about the grants awarded will be made available on the NSW Government Grants and Funding Finder as soon as possible after the funding agreement is executed.

All records in relation to this decision will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the State Records Act 1998 (NSW).

  • If you agree we will publish your name, your LGA, primary location, artform, project title and description and amount of funding for media and communication purposes
  • This is subject to privacy legislation

Please refer to Information for Funding Recipients for more detailed processes for successful applicants.

This includes:

  • Program evaluation
  • Conflict of interest management
  • Organisations working with First Nations people or communities
  • Complaint handling, access to information and privacy.

Anticipated assessment outcome date is 8 weeks after applications close.

Anticipated date for funding deed execution with successful applicants is within 45 days of successful notification.

Support and contact

Create NSW staff are available to provide technical advice and general information to potential applicants on the interpretation of the grant guidelines, including the types of activity eligible for funding and support with the online application process. 

Create NSW staff cannot help directly with your application. To maintain a fair and equitable process, staff cannot edit or correct any applications or provide advice on the content or choices required against the assessment criteria for this grant opportunity. 

Find answers to common questions to assist with Expression of Interest and detailed applications here.

For further information or clarification, please contact Create NSW via: 

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