Music and performance will return to the CBD this summer thanks to $500,000 in NSW Government grant funding for live events over summer 2020/21.
Play the City (Sydney) NSW Artists and Musicians Grants, available through Create NSW, will support individuals, venues and arts organisations to present live performance, and help rebuild visitor numbers slashed by COVID-19.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the government was committed to restoring the area’s role at the centre of Sydney’s cultural life, supporting business and jobs.
“The global pandemic has had a big impact on Sydney’s CBD and the jobs and businesses which normally thrive there,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s been a tough time but these grants, coming off the back of September’s Summer Summit, along with a range of measures including joint initiatives with the City of Sydney, will help bring the beat back to our city’s heart this summer.”
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said the funding would support the local live music and performance scene to activate venues and public spaces and bring people back to the city.
“This is a timely opportunity for our local venues, organisations, musicians and artists to bring live performance to the public in time to celebrate the summer season.
“Encouraging audiences back into the Sydney CBD will support the reopening of small venues that have been hit hard as a result of the pandemic, and will enable artists to reengage with the public as we come together in a COVID-safe way to celebrate all this great city has to offer.
“Reintroducing live performance is an integral part of what makes our city a lively and vibrant centre and I am pleased to deliver this initiative,” said Mr Harwin.
Successful applicants will receive up to $10,000 to present a one-off performance or series of live events that support the presentation of new work to Sydney audiences.
Applications for Play the City (Sydney) NSW Artists and Musicians Grants close 11:59pm AEST Sunday 6 December for projects that commence between 16 December 2020 and 28 February 2021, 11:59pm AEST. For more information, including guidelines, and to apply, please visit the Create NSW website.
