Arts and Culture Grant

Applications are invited from artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations and community groups to support the development and delivery of new creative initiatives within the City of Charles Sturt.

Artforms may include:

• Community art projects*
• Interdisciplinary arts
• Literary arts (creative writing, poetry & prose)
• Live music performances
• Moving image
• Performing arts (dance and theatre)
• Public art (ephemeral, temporary or semi-permanent)
• Visual arts (ceramics, drawing , filmmaking, painting, photography & sculpting)

*Community art projects support partnerships between artists, creatives and community groups to design and create temporary, semi-permanent or permanent artworks that strengthen neighbourhood identity, foster community connection and encourage participation in arts and culture.

Examples include:

• Painted stobie poles
• Community mosaics
• Community murals
• Community storytelling installations
• Sculpture projects

To be considered for funding you must answer yes to all the following:

• I have a current ABN.
• My project will be located within the City of Charles Sturt.
• I am requesting funding for a new creative project that will be delivered before 30 June 2027.
• My project is accessible to the public.
• I am not (or immediate relative of) a City of Charles Sturt staff member or Elected Member.
• I have no outstanding funding acquittals or debts to the City of Charles Sturt (excluding hardship provision for late payment of rates).
• I have current public liability insurance or a quote for public liability insurance.
• Where applicable, ensure that any required permits or consents are obtained prior to submitting your application.
• Will have an appropriate risk management framework in place and ensure the proper safety steps are followed.

Applicants will only be funded for a maximum of two consecutive years. Applicants who have not received funding in the previous financial year will be given a higher priority.

If you are planning an event or festival, you may wish to consider our Events and Festivals Sponsorship fund.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists and from artists with Disability.

• Repeated shows, projects or performances by the applicant.
• Arts outcomes that take place outside the City of Charles Sturt's boundaries.
• Ongoing projects and core business (new trial or temporary projects, different to core business will be considered).
• Projects that have already been completed or that started before the funding application was submitted.
• Community art projects that primarily promote, advertise or brand a commercial business.

Strengthens Community Connection and Belonging

The project should supports shared creative experiences that bring people together, strengthen neighbourhood connections and foster a sense of belonging.

Supports Artist Practice and Creative Development

Provides opportunities for artists and creative practitioners to develop skills, create new work, build networks and engage with the community through residencies, mentorships and creative projects.

Celebrates Local Stories, Identity and Heritage

Supports storytelling, cultural expression and projects that recognise and celebrate the people, histories, cultures and places that shape Charles Sturt.

Increases Participation in Arts and Culture

Creates accessible opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to engage with creative experiences and cultural activities.

Activates Places Through Arts and Culture

Encourages projects that enhance public spaces, neighbourhoods and community places through creative activity, public art and cultural experiences.

Supports Cultural Diversity and Inclusion

Recognises and values First Nations knowledge, multicultural communities and diverse lived experiences through arts and cultural participation.

Up to $5,000 (plus GST).

Funding is limited to one grant per applicant per financial year.

Funding should be reflective of costs and what you want to achieve, as listed in your budget.

This program will be open on an ongoing basis until 30 June 2027, or until funding is exhausted.

Project activity to occur between August 2026 and June 2027. All projects must be completed within the same financial year as the application is submitted.

To ensure your application is assessed prior to your project commencing, we recommend applying at least one (1) month before your project is set to begin.

Payment under this program will be made directly to the applicant upon receipt of acknowledgment of the funding agreement and a valid tax invoice.

The applicant agrees to acquit the funds within one month of completing the project, as per the funding agreement.

A Place Leader will review your application prior to submitting to the internal committee for final assessment against the following selection criteria:

• Answered yes to all program eligibility.
• Alignment with the Arts Fund expected program outcomes and supports the City of Charles Sturt Community Vision.
• Budget items are eligible for funding under this program (outlined under ‘what can the funding be used for?’)
• Project viability (is it achievable within the timeframe and budget).

Applicants may be contacted for further information during the assessment process.

Applicants will generally be notified of the outcome of their application within three weeks of submitting an application.

To help inspire new ideas, here’s some eligible examples:

• A creative residency engaging local artists and residents to develop new work.
• A storytelling or oral history project capturing local stories and memories.
• A community-led public art project celebrating local identity, culture and place.
• A temporary exhibition showcasing local artists, stories or cultural themes.
• A First Nations storytelling project sharing cultural knowledge, language and lived experiences.
• A migrant history project documenting and celebrating community stories and contributions.
• A podcast series recording stories about local people, places and history.
• An artist mentorship program supporting emerging artists and creative practitioners.
• A creative practitioner development project that builds local creative skills and networks.
• A community-connected artist residency that explores local identity, belonging and place.
• An industry skills-sharing initiative connecting artists and creative practitioners.
• A community mural designed and delivered with local residents *businesses seeking funding for public art on their premises should apply through the Shop Local grant program*
• A painted stobie pole project celebrating local identity and neighbourhood pride.
• A community storytelling installation sharing local histories, experiences and cultures.
• A collaborative sculpture project that activates a public space and encourages community participation.