Cultural Connections is a program providing opportunities to artists and community leaders from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, People of Colour and people who identify as culturally diverse.
The wider community are invited to take part in the program (see below) presented by this years Cultural Connections grant recipients.
Cultural Connections program 2024-2025
Suara Dance X Langen Suka
30 November 2024, 3pm - 6pm
More info
Worship B'day
7 December 2024, 2pm - 10.30pm
More info
Remembering our roots: Cultural practices for community care and well-being
22 Feb TBC 2025
More info coming soon
Artists talk and workshops with Dr Dongwang Fan
Artist talk 8 May 2025
Workshops 10 May 2025
More info
Program
2023-2024 program
Stale Biskitz 20 Year Anniversary Jam
An action-packed day with dance workshops and ending with a one-on-one battle and special 20 year anniversary showcase of Stale Biskitz.
More info
Bersama - Refugee Art Project and Taring Padi
Bersama ("togetherness" in Bahasa Indonesia) is a creative collaboration between two community art organisations, Refugee Art Project (Djarrawunang/Ashfield) and Taring Padi (Yogjakarta, Indonesia).
More info
Storytelling Through Camera
During the April 2024 school holidays, SSI held a series of free storytelling and filmmaking workshops at the Community Refugee Welcome Centre, in Lilyfield for young people aged 10-17 years.
More info
Connected, the Rhythm Lives Within, Calling Us Home: Yacou Mbaye
The contemporary dancer and musician performed alongside other artists in a multidisciplinary work combining storytelling, music and dance in a cross-cultural production.
More info
Cultural Education, Then and Now: Hayden Walsh
Hayden Walsh invited the Inner West community to share their learning experiences of Aboriginal culture and history, gauging an intergenerational overview of peoples learning experiences. He recorded responses via film (for those comfortable) to create a digital record.
More info
Satrang, Queer South Asian Art Exhibition: Trikone Australia
Trikone Australia presented SATRANG, an art exhibition celebrating the vibrant intersection of South Asian queer identities through diverse artistic expressions.
More info
Other program information
Aims and objectives of the EOI
The Cultural Connections EOI is for the communities mentioned above to access resources to encourage:
- diverse representation in the arts
- an increase in cross cultural understanding
- engagement of children and young people in arts programming with a cultural perspective
- recognition of cultural diversity as an asset and contributor to innovative arts practice
- the development of the story about our local area and who we are.
Application process 2024
Application dates
Applications for the Cultural Connections Expression of Interest open Monday 8 July, 9am and close 5 August, 3pm.
People interested in applying are advised to read the Guidelines available below to ensure they understand the requirements and Cultural Connections program.
Information sessions - Learn more about the EOI, tips for filling in your application, key dates and ask any questions you have.
Saturday 27 July, 11am - 12.30pm, Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative, 55-59 Flood Street, Leichhardt 2040.
Eligibility criteria / who can apply
- Applicants must reside in the Inner West or be undertaking projects that benefit the Inner West community
- Applicants do not need to identify as an artist or creative, however the proposal must have a creative outcome
- Australian residents or permanent residents aged over 18+
- All projects need to be documented and shared with Council for inclusion on Council’s website
- Unincorporated groups or non-Australian residents must be auspiced by an incorporated not-for-profit organisation
- Legally registered, incorporated not-for-profit organisations or groups
- If working with children a valid /current Working with Children Check (WWCC) must be provided
- All applications must be submitted online through smartygrants
- Only one application per person/group is permitted
- Successful applicants will be required to enter a contract with Council and to supply relevant insurances or licenses (e.g. Public Liability Insurance).
Assessment criteria / what your application needs to show
- The individual or team’s skills and experience to deliver the project (20%)
- How well the project meets the EOI aims (30%)
- The benefits of the project to community (30%)
- How practical and achievable the project is within the proposed budget (this includes clear documentation of what you intend to spend the money on with quotes for any items over $500) (20%)
Timeline
| EOI round opens via smartygrants |
9am, Monday 8 July 2024 |
| EOI round closes |
3pm, Monday 5 August 2024 |
| Assessment Panel review applications |
August 2024 |
| Applicants notified |
September 2024 |
| Agreements signed |
September 2024 |
| Invoices processed |
September 2024 |
| Projects delivered |
late September 2024 – June 2025 |
| Projects acquitted (reported on) |
June 2025 |
| Projects shared on Council’s website |
July/ August 2025 |
Documentation of the projects
Successful applicants will be required to document their project as a resource for others to engage with.
The documentation must include:
- a showcase of the work/ project which meets Council’s standards (file size/ quality – this could be a sound file, recording, photography, illustration etc)
- a short description of the project and outcome to accompany the work as well as artists names, social media links and a promotional image 1800px x 750px.
This documentation will be shared on Council’s website and will need to be compatible with Council’s website (e.g. YouTube video, mp3, pdf, jpeg).
Guidelines
Cultural Connections Guidelines Guidelines 2024 - 2025 pdf (PDF 650.7KB) Guidelines 2024 - 2025 word doc (DOCX 2.5MB)
Got questions?
You can reach out to Council's Community Arts Project Officer, Monday - Thursday, 8.30am - 4pm, via phone 9335 2293 or email raffaela.cavadini@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
2024 application form portal - opens 8 July, 9am
Apply here