Western Sydney’s arts and cultural organisations are encouraged to keep the lights on and the doors open into the evening to boost access to the arts, with grants of up to $200,000 from the NSW Government’s $1.5 million Western Sydney Culture Up Late program.
Minister for the Arts John Graham said the Culture Up Late program is aimed at driving stronger economic activity and audience growth in the vital Western Sydney arts and cultural scene.
“Culture Up Late boosts audience engagement and access to art and cultural experiences, while driving greater economic activity and increasing employment opportunities for performers, creatives and arts workers in our fast-growing communities of Western Sydney,” said Mr Graham.
“At a critical time when audiences are returning to venues and looking for new experiences, this initiative gives the people of Western Sydney and beyond greater access to experience exhibitions, performances and events.”
“This investment in culture across Western Sydney supports the growing creative sector and builds its reputation as a key cultural destination for art and cultural lovers,” said Mr Graham.
Cultural venues, museums and galleries in eligible western Sydney local government areas can apply for grants of up to $200,000 to stay open after 5.00pm.
By supporting activities after 5.00pm, Culture Up Late will allow arts and cultural organisations to develop new programs, extend exhibition hours, diversify income streams by accessing non-traditional audiences and create vibrant local precincts through engagement with local businesses, such as restaurants, bars and transport providers.
Applications for Western Sydney Culture Up Late are now open and close Monday 29 May 2023. For more information, funding guidelines and to apply, visit: www.create.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: Casula Up Late – Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre – photo by Chantel Bann