Village and community festivals and events sponsorship

We prioritise festivals and events that:

• celebrate the spirit of a community and build opportunities to share its cultural characteristics with a wider public
• nurture and amplify the unique characteristics of the city and village precincts  
• meet our broader place-making objectives and showcase local communities, including local business
• promote community awareness of environmental issues and solutions
• activate public space including high street
• promote community cohesion, connection and community resilience.

Festivals and events can contribute to one or more of these outcomes:

• Increased participation in community and civic life
• Increased sense of identity, sense of belonging and connection to place
• Strengthened social cohesion and diverse communities
• Increased business patronage and economic benefit to the village or precinct
• Strengthened local business and community connection
• Increased community awareness of environmental issues and solutions.

Applications are assessed against the outcomes above and any advertised priorities at the time of application. The assessment panel will also consider:

• evidence of audience and/or community support for the festival or event and its proposed outcomes
• evidence of how the festival or event showcases the area’s unique characteristics and identity
• evidence of ongoing economic benefit for local businesses in the village or precinct (if relevant)
• the quality of the program and appropriateness of the artists, businesses and/or partners involved (if relevant)
• evidence of the promotion of our sustainability, or walking and cycling programs and/or understanding of the strategies and objectives of these programs as part of the event (if relevant)
• evidence of partnerships with other government agencies, business, community organisations or individuals, particularly those in the local area
• the skills and experience of the organisation, its management and any third party event management provider relative to the size and nature of the proposed project
• a realistic budget showing that the festival or event will be appropriately resourced, including payment of contractor and artist fees
• appropriate outcomes and performance measures identified
• evidence of alternative or sustainable funding sources
• evidence of accessibility and inclusivity
• required supporting documentation.

For comprehensive information, including definitions and other details, refer to the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

To see what projects have been awarded our grants and sponsorships in the past, please search for grants in our statutory returns annual reports.

• Organisations supported under this program may be required to provide benefits back to our local community in return for funding. These benefits are negotiated case-by-case and can be up to the value of funding provided.
• For-profit organisations requesting support through the artform category must match the funding requested with cash. Value-in-kind is not accepted.
• Applicants approved for the waiving of hire fees for Sydney Town Hall are advised that if a cancellation occurs within 90 days of the event, you must pay for 50% of the booking’s value with cash, irrespective of any value-in-kind awarded by us.
• Applicants organising outdoor events must consider their security needs by completing and uploading the Crowded Places Self-Assessment Tool and reviewing the guidance documents available on the Australian National Security website. Depending on the outcome of the Crowded Places Self-Assessment Tool, you may need to speak with NSW Police regarding the security needs of your event. Security costs to ensure your event is safe and accessible can be included in your budget as a request to us.