Stages and Spaces guidelines and eligibility

Booking conditions and access guidelines 

  • Use is mainly during off-peak periods to minimise disruption to regular community users. 
  • Dry hire model - Hirers are responsible for setup, pack-down, and returning the venue to its original condition. 
  • A maximum of three weekend bookings per calendar year may be made at subsidised rates. After this limit, standard hire fees apply. (Special consideration for longer-term or additional subsidised bookings may be requested and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.) 
  • Each individual, group, or organisation may make up to two extended block bookings (up to two weeks of exclusive use) per calendar year across all venues, subject to availability. 
  • Bookings must be made at least 15 business days in advance. 
  • Sound levels must comply with venue-specific noise restrictions. 
  • Public liability insurance ($20 million) is required for recurring or public events. 
  • A refundable bond may be applied depending on the venue and nature of the activity. 
  • Applicants should consider safety and accessibility in their project planning. Council venues included in the pilot where possible will meet accessibility standards and provide safe access for all participants. 

These conditions ensure equitable access, support emerging artists, and maintain the availability of Council facilities for regular community users.  

Available venues 

A selection of Council venues will be made available through this pilot program. These may include spaces suited to creative development, rehearsals, exhibitions and performances.  

Venues will be selected based on their suitability for arts and cultural activities, availability during off-peak times and accessibility for participants.  

Applicants are encouraged to review the full list of Council venues at Halls, meeting rooms and function areas to understand the range of spaces available. Please note that not all listed venues will be included in the pilot program.  

Council staff will discuss with each eligible applicant the features and suitability of each pilot venue (size, facilities and best-suited activities) to assist applicants in selecting the most suitable space.  

Support tiers 

  • Full fee waiver (100%) - for applicants demonstrating significant financial hardship or structural barriers to participation, where the project cannot proceed without full subsidy. Priority will be given to new and innovative projects. 
  • Partial fee waiver (50%) - for projects that require partial support to ensure affordability and viability. Applicants must show how partial support enables delivery. 
  • Full fee (no subsidy) - for commercial, private or ineligible activities or where applicants can meet hire costs without assistance. 

All subsidised users must acknowledge Council’s support in any marketing or promotional materials.  

Application and assessment process 

Applicants must submit an online expression of interest (EOI) outlining:  

  • Details of the proposed activity 
  • Preferred venue and dates 
  • Budget 
  • Rationale for financial support 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to venue availability. Due to limited space, not all eligible applications may be supported during the pilot period. Applications will be assessed by Council staff and relevant representatives as required. Applicants requiring support with the expression of interest process may contact Council’s Community Facilities and Recreation Bookings Team teams for guidance.  

Assessment criteria 

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:  

  • Creative Activity and Purpose - Relevance of the project to artistic or cultural practice and alignment with program objectives. 
  • Innovation and New Work - The extent to which the project develops new, original, or experimental work. 
  • Artistic Experience or Potential - Demonstrated experience or potential as an artist,  creative practitioner, or emerging artist, evidenced by past or current projects. 
  • Community and Cultural Benefit - How the project contributes to Ku-ring-gai’s cultural life, supports participation and diversity, and benefits the local community. 
  • Contribution to cultural diversity - The extent to which the project reflects or promotes cultural, linguistic, or creative diversity within Ku-ring-gai. 
  • Financial Need - Evidence that financial or structural barriers limit access to creative space. 
  • Suitability of Venue - Compatibility of the proposed activity with the venue’s size, facilities, and availability. 
  • Connection to Ku-ring-gai - The applicant’s residential, professional, or creative onnection to the local area. 

Program implementation and support 

  • Council’s Community Facilities and Recreation Bookings Team will assist applicants with venue information and booking logistics. 
  • Council will conduct a targeted review of facilities to identify low-cost improvements supporting increased utilisation. 
  • Council will cover general maintenance and standard cleaning during the pilot program. 
  • Council will promote the pilot through its website, e-news, and community networks to ensure broad awareness among local creatives.

How to apply 

Applicants can submit an online enquiry through Council’s website to express interest in the Stages and Spaces: Ku-ring-gai Creative Pilot Program. The form asks applicants to describe their proposed creative activity, preferred venue and any request for fee support.  

This is an enquiry form only. Submissions will be reviewed by Council and a representative will contact applicants within five business days to discuss their proposal.  

Applicants are encouraged to read the program guidelines and eligibility criteria before submitting an enquiry. Please note that enquiries will not be accepted if the proposed activity is scheduled to occur within 15 business days of submission.  

If you require assistance completing the form or have specific access needs, please contact recreationbookings@krg.nsw.gov.au

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