Sydney’s city centre is set for a new playlist with 39 projects to benefit from more than $1 million in funding through the Play the City (Sydney) NSW Round Two Grants.
The funding is part of the CBD Revitalisation program to help reactivate the Sydney CBD by supporting individuals, venues and arts organisations to present live performances to help rebuild visitor numbers following the pandemic.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program would play an important part in revitalising our city by encouraging people back to the city was critical to our COVID recovery.
“Getting the arts and entertainment industry back up and running will not only provide our economy with a much needed boost it will give Sydney its soul back,” said Mr Perrottet.
“Reviving this vital industry will help create jobs and get our city humming again ensuring we keep more businesses in business and people in jobs.”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said Play the City (Sydney) will bring the beat back to the centre of Sydney through live performance throughout 2021.
“Restoring Sydney city’s cultural life and supporting businesses hit hard by the pandemic is a priority for the NSW Government, and Play the City (Sydney) is one initiative in a range of measures that will support live performance and encourage audiences back to the CBD over the coming months,” said Mr Harwin.
“Through 39 projects, this funding will support over 900 artists and the broader live music and performance scene, including diverse and inclusive Australian music events spanning Sydney venues such as the Oxford Art Factory, Darling Square and TAFE NSW Eora, which will be activated by emerging contemporary musicians, Neo Pop performances, album launches, and of course live music.”
“After a tough year for our arts and cultural sector and businesses in Sydney’s CBD, this inspiring initiative will boost jobs and activate spaces all across the city over the coming months.”
The Play the City (Sydney) funding program is supporting a program of activities, events and performances that activate the Sydney CBD, and provides an opportunity for audiences to experience artists presenting new work and live performance events.
For more information on arts, screen and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit: www.create.nsw.gov.au For more information on Play the City (Sydney) and full list of recipients, visit: www.create.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: Monkey Baa’s production of Josephine Wants To Dance – photo by Heidrun Lohr