Festival of Place Springboard for Sydney’s Economic Recovery

The Sydney Business Chamber says the State Government’s new ‘Festival of Place’ program of arts and cultural events will provide a great springboard for the city’s economic recovery through 12 months of local activations that will create valuable business opportunities.

“The just announced year-long program of virtual and physical events will provide local councils and the city’s talented arts sector with diverse opportunities to showcase our many iconic and under-utilised public spaces, bringing Sydneysiders outside and together again in a Covid-safe and engaging way,” said Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.

“Government, together with business, need to move quickly to deliver ways to attract locals and domestic tourists to re-discover and enjoy Sydney’s wonderful public spaces with a range of free public and paid events, creating business opportunities for the hospitality, arts, retail and tourism sectors.”

“Combined with the accelerated drive toward more al-fresco dining options across Sydney, this spring and summer is a critical time to leverage outdoor events including dance, theatre, film and recreational activities, that people of all ages can enjoy in their own backyard.”

“It will bring much-needed foot traffic back to assist struggling CBD businesses, revitalizing public spaces like the Domain, Rocks and Circular Quay. Our creative arts and cultural sector has been one of the hardest hit during Covid and this will provide inspiration, incentive and the stage for many artists and performers to entertain audiences from across the city.”

“It is a great way to show Sydney is open and can come together in a Covid-safe manner, while also leading the way to a night time economy that is inclusive and safe for everyone – demonstrating that after-dark hours’ enjoyment doesn’t need to revolve around drinking.”

/Public Release. View in full here.