Beyond the Studio 2026 EOI

Please click on the links to download the program guidelines as a word or pdf document.

Beyond the Studio 2026 - Applicant Guidelines (word)
Beyond the Studio 2026 - Applicant Guidelines (pdf)

The program aims to:

• To increase access to arts and culture for local audiences through artist-led experiences of creative practice (this does not include exhibition funding)
• Foster collaboration between artists and small arts organisations and increase profile of creative studios and precincts
• Support audience development opportunities for local creatives through new networks, sales opportunities and/or experiences
• Showcase excellence and diversity of the Inner West Creative sector.
  
   

Funding is available for activity that will take place from 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026. The program also supports artists with the marketing, promotion, evaluation and documentation of their projects.

There are three project funding tiers available:

• Tier 1 Solo projects: up to $1,000 (only open to individuals e.g. where cost is a barrier to them participating in an established event)
• Tier 2 Mid-tier projects: up to $5,000 (may be groups or individuals)
• Tier 3 Major group projects: up to $10,000 (large-scale collaborative opportunities that involve multiple creatives)

For successful recipients, and where relevant, Inner West Council will:

• promote your project via Council channels
• invite program participants to an expert-led marketing workshop where you will have opportunity to meet and collaborate with other program participants
• run a Culture Counts survey to capture the experience of both artists and audiences participatin
•  For Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects:
  • capture professional imagery of the event
  • 2 x meetings (up to 3hrs) with IWC Producers to provide general advice and support to assist with the planning and success of your event (e.g. Council approvals/permits (advice only), ticketing, access etc.)

 

Applications are open to individual artists, groups of artists and arts organisations based in the Inner West LGA across all forms of creative practice (visual artists, ceramicists, designers, musicians, recording studios, textiles, multidisciplinary etc.)

Projects must occur in the Inner West LGA (except where an Inner West-based artist is requesting support to participate in a relevant industry event held outside the Inner West LGA).

Applicants must:

• reside or have their studio or creative space in the Inner West LGA
• be Australian residents or permanent residents aged 18+
• be covered by Public Liability Insurance for at least $20mil for a one-off event
• If relevant, provide a valid Working with Children clearance
• Only one application per person/group is permitted
• Exhibition-only proposals will not be accepted. Applications must be focussed on public engagement such as talks, workshops or community involvement.
  
  

Applications will be assessed by a panel of creative industry professionals, including Inner West Council staff and at least one external independent peer.

Applications will be assessed against the following weighted selection criteria:

• How well your project meets the program aims (50% weight)
• Collaboration with other Inner West creatives (25% weight)
• Feasibility of the project, considering (25% weight):
  • The individual or groups’ skills and experience to deliver the project
  • Detail of your marketing strategy and budget
  • A practical and realistic project budget (breakdown of what you intend to spend the money on, with quotes for any items over $500). 

Consideration will be given to the diversity and geographic distribution of projects to ensure broad and equitable representation.

Make sure you sign up to one of the EOI information sessions, where there will be opportunity for Q&A.

For enquiries or to discuss your proposal please contact:

• Olivia Patchett, Creative Producer (Mon-Thurs) on 02 9335 2123 (olivia.patchett@innerwest.nsw.gov.au) or
• Belinda Walter, Creative Producer (Mon-Fri) on 02 9392 5784 (belinda.walter@innerwest.nsw.gov.au)

Support and Accessibility
Please get in touch if you need support or adjustments to the application process. Council is committed to showcasing diverse voices from our community and welcome those who may need access regarding disability, language barriers, and navigating application processes. Adjustments cannot be made once the application deadline has passed.

Council will be hosting two EOI information sessions for applicants. Please register at the links below.

• Wednesday 8 October, 12-12:45pm (online)
  This session will be Auslan interpreted. The recording is available here
• Tuesday 14 October, 6-7:15pm (in-person). Register here
  Session will be Auslan interpreted. The venue is accessible.

Please read the guidelines above before submitting your application.

Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants:
Apply Now

Applications close: Tuesday 28 October, 4pm AEDT 

Successful applicants will be notified by 10 December 2026. Eligible projects may begin from 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026, and applicants will be required to submit an online acquittal within 1 month of their project end date.