To support our creative community, Inner West has opened up each of our seven Town Halls free-for-use as cultural and creative spaces!
Eligibility
Who can apply?
- Creative individuals or groups: Local or connected to the Inner West, involved in creative practices such as visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, or multi-arts.
- Not-for-Profit (NFP) Organisations: Incorporated or unincorporated NFP groups delivering creative or cultural activities with community benefit.
- Emerging Creatives: Artists or groups requiring space to develop and showcase new work.
What activities are eligible?
Projects must demonstrate alignment with at least one of the following:
- Creative development: Rehearsals, workshops
- Creative production activities.
- Public presentation: Exhibitions, performances, or events accessible to the community.
Ineligible Uses
The following are not eligible for the Creative Town Halls Program:
- Private events (e.g., weddings, birthdays).
- Activities with no creative focus (e.g., Table tennis class).
- Commercial events without demonstrated financial need for fee reduction.
- Fundraising events
Fee Policy and Subsidies
Council offers a scaled fee structure based on the applicant and their activity:
100% Fee Waiver:
Creative individuals, groups, or NFPs where activities align with the assessment criteria and who can demonstrate financial need, showing that the project cannot proceed without fully subsidised venue hires
50% Fee Waiver:
Non-Profit Organisations (NFPs) or sole traders hosting ticketed events, where the event does not require fully subsidised venue hire to proceed and is expected to generate some revenue or profit.
Full Fee:
Private or commercial events, fundraising events or projects not meeting the above criteria.
Note: Applicants receiving a subsidy must acknowledge Council support by displaying the Inner West Council logo in marketing materials.
Booking and Use Guidelines
- Dry Hire: No staff provided. Hirers are responsible for set-up, pack-down, and “making good” the venue.
- Equipment Use: Very limited technical equipment and resources available; an inventory is accessible on each venue’s webpage.
- Induction: Safety and technical inductions are advised prior to use via email.
- Accessibility: Each venue’s accessibility details are available online; note that Wi-Fi is unavailable.
- Insurance: If your event is re-occurring, you must provide evidence of Public Liability insurance to the value of $20 million.
- Bond: Upon confirmation of your booking, a refundable bond will need to be paid. The amount will differ depending on the venue and nature of even
The Inner West Council is committed to ensuring our community spaces are available to be shared and enjoyed by everyone. To achieve this, the following booking conditions apply:
- A maximum of five (5) weekend bookings per calendar year at Town Halls and non-Town Hall venues can be made at subsidised rates. After this limit, full rates will apply.
- Each individual, group, or organisation can make up to four (4) extended block bookings (up to two weeks of exclusive use) across all venues combined per calendar year, subject to availability.
(Special consideration can be requested for longer term hire and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the assessment panel)
- Extended block bookings are allocated by activity, meaning individuals participating in the same activity (e.g., musicians in a band) cannot make separate bookings for the same activity.
- Council Events (Eg. Election polling, civic events) have priority. If a booking with a Full Fee Subsidy conflicts with a Council event, the hirer must surrender the booking. The Council will provide at least two (2) weeks' notice, but typically three (3) weeks' notice, and will make every effort to help find an alternative venue (though this is not guaranteed).
Application and Assessment
Submit applications via Council’s online form, outlining your project, intended activities, budget, and alignment with eligibility criteria.
One of our team members will get back to you within 5 business days (bookings will not be accepted within 10 business days of a proposed event date).
Expression of Interest Form
Assessment Process
Applications are reviewed by a specialist panel, including cultural staff, ensuring transparency and alignment with program goals.
Assessment Criteria
The panel will assess each enquiry with the following criteria:
Activity and Experience:
- Suitability of activity for available spaces.
- Demonstrated need for financial support.
- Demonstrated experience as an artist, creative practitioner, or emerging artist which may include relevant projects, exhibitions, performances or other examples of creative works.
Connection to the Inner West:
- Supports artists and creative organisations who are based in the Inner West LGA and/or
- Nurtures the viability and vibrancy of the arts and cultural sector and/or
- Supports the career development of artists and/or
- Benefits to the Inner West community
Contact and Support
For questions or further information, please contact the Creative Town Hall Concierge Service by:
If your enquiry is about longer term creative spaces such as artist residencies and studios, applications for these are currently closed.
If you are ineligible and would like to enquire about a general hire, please contact bookingsteam@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Please subscribe to our Creative Communities enewsletter for updates about opening dates for applications and other arts and cultural opportunities
Browse our range of venues
Click the tiles below to learn more about what's available at each venue