Western Sydney organisations interested in delivering new opportunities that strengthen the region’s arts, culture and creative sector are invited to apply for funding through the $2 million 2026-27 Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program.
The Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program, delivered by Create NSW, aims to unlock the immense potential of one of Australia’s fastest growing, dynamic and diverse creative communities.
“Create NSW is investing in the future of Western Sydney’s creative communities, and through the Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program we’re helping the region’s arts and cultural ecosystem grow the capacity and leadership to be a cultural beacon,” said Create NSW Executive Director, Kerri Glasscock.
“Partnerships help organisations to deliver larger scale creative initiatives, connecting more people, spaces and untapped possibilities. By bringing local organisations together to drive innovation for local outcomes, this program is energising the immense creative potential across Western Sydney.”
Create NSW’s investment is designed to support a wide range of projects and programs that increase sustainable growth and innovation across the region. The co-investment model will see Create NSW contribute between 20-50 per cent of the project funding, alongside the financial or in-kind contribution committed by the lead and partner organisations.
Organisations can apply for co-funding through a two-stage process:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) stage: Closes at 2.00pm on Monday 28 September 2026.
- Application stage: Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit a detailed application by 2.00pm on Monday 7 December 2026.
Applicants may book an online 1:1 appointment with a Create NSW program team member to ask questions about the program and EOI process.
The Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program is an initiative of the Plan for Western Sydney Arts, Culture and Creative Industries: 2025 – 2028. Now in its second year, the Program is building on the inaugural 2025-26 program investment, which supported 16 collaborative projects with more than $3.5 million.
From activating much-needed creative space to establishing new residency programs, fostering new arts collectives and prioritising First Nations cultural and creative practice, these high-impact projects are delivering benefits for creative communities across Western Sydney.
For more information about Western Sydney Strategic Partnerships Program, including guidelines and to submit an EOI, visit: www.create.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: All In – Dance Makers Collective featuring Janniwi Dance Clan, Sydney Festival 2025, Parramatta Town Hall – photo by Nat Cartney