Create NSW and the Western Sydney Arts Alliance have partnered to deliver a new $200,000 Creative Western Sydney Micro Grants Program giving independent artists, creative collectives and small arts organisations across the region access to micro grants between $3,000 and $10,000 for local projects.
With consultation and guidance from the sector, the program will support emerging artists and small-to-medium grassroots organisations to bring a broad range of creative visions to life, across multiple artforms and priority areas.
Increasing access, participation and representation for young people, First Nations peoples, people with disability or who are d/Deaf and culturally and linguistically diverse communities is a key priority of the program.
The program is expected deliver more opportunities for local artists, exciting experiences for audiences, new collaborations and experimentation, plus the creative development or presentation of innovative new work.
The program is one of several new funding initiatives committed as part of the Plan for Western Sydney Arts, Culture and Creative Industries 2025 – 2028, and builds on Create NSW’s current investment in Western Sydney.
Individual artists and collectives may apply for grants between $3,000 -$5,000, while organisations can apply for grants between $5,000 and $10,000 for projects occurring between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. Applicants must have a physical presence within the 13 Western Sydney local government areas to be eligible.
Create NSW Executive Director, Kerri Glasscock said: “This exciting funding opportunity will make a significant impact for the entire arts ecosystem of Western Sydney. Micro grants will help sustain the creative practice of independent artists and support smaller organisations to deliver amazing creative projects across the region. Our partnership with Western Sydney Arts Alliance will help deliver meaningful outcomes where it’s needed most.”
Mouna Zaylah, Chair, Western Sydney Arts Alliance said: “Western Sydney Arts Alliance is pleased to be working with Create NSW to deliver the micro-grant program, creating meaningful opportunities for artists, makers and small to medium arts organisations across Western Sydney.
"This targeted and responsive grant program recognises the significance of the region’s smaller-scale creative practice and is vital in supporting artists and organisations to develop new work and test ideas. As an initiative, it strengthens Western Sydney's vibrant and diverse arts ecology – from the ground up.”
Applications close April 28, 2026. For more information, and to apply, visit www.create.nsw.gov.au
