The Cultural Grants and Sponsorship Program provides funding opportunities over $5,000 for not-for-profit organisations undertaking cultural initiatives within the inner city area.

This could include initiatives and projects in the performing and visual arts and crafts, literature, film, digital arts, design, architecture, history and heritage, food and wine, and their expression through public debate, festivals, exhibitions, creative space development, performances, competitions and public celebrations of importance to individual communities and the wider Sydney local government area.

How to apply

Applications are open now! Head to our corporate site to download background documents and to cityofsydney.smartygrants.com.au to apply.

Applications for this program are called for annually, usually between February and April each year for projects to start in October of that year. To ensure you stay abreast of application rounds for next year, please send us an email with your contact details and we’ll notify you when a grant round is opening.

For further information please contact the City’s Grants Team on 02 9265 9333 or [email protected].

Previous recipients

  • The Red Room Company: The Poetry Object Event, an awards event and exhibition, held at a prominent Sydney landmark for a project run for Public Schools
  • Theatre 4A: Stories Then and Now a theatrical presentation of six performers drawn from Sydney’s Asian-Australian community who told candid stories about their lives, families and aspirations
  • The Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School: In collaboration with Green Square Public School, the TBSSS produced a sculpture involving its Emerging Sculptors Program, school and local community. It included themes of local history, cultural diversity and sustainability
  • University of Technology, Sydney: Ultimo Science Festival (2013, 2014 and 2015) a 10-day Science Festival with engaging events and activities for kids, adults and families along Harris St Ultimo presented by UTS, ABC, TAFE and Powerhouse Museum
  • White Blackbird (Auspice – Playwriting Australia): The Hungry Ghost is a free audio-play iPhone app, based on the Chinese history of Surry Hills and designed to use while walking the city’s laneways
  • Darlinghurst Theatre Company: Backstage at the Eternity Playhouse was a dynamic and interactive event which launched and shared the Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s plans for the Eternity Playhouse, including its ongoing work and support of independent artists and their productions as well as education programs.

Deadlines

Applications close at 2pm 7 April 2014.

Applications for this program are invited once a year.

Downloads

All applications are assessed against the general and specific criteria for this program, which are set out in the City’s Grants and Sponsorships Policy.

  • Grants and Sponsorship Policy
  • Guidelines: Cultural Grants and Sponsorships (2014)
  • Successful 2013/2014 Cultural Grants & Sponsorships