You Asked For It, You Got It! Micro Music Fests To Take Place Throughout Western Sydney

Earlier this year, councils throughout Western Sydney were called on by the NSW government to submit proposals to hold music events throughout the region and the response has been overwhelming, resulting in the announcement that five suburbs will host micro music festivals next year.

Blacktown, Camden, Fairfield, Parramatta and Wollondilly councils will take part in the Western Sydney Live & Local Strategic Initiative (coordinated by the Live Music Office) that will showcase the talents of local musicians in streets, restaurants, cafes and shops. 

Deputy Premier & Minister for the Arts Troy Grant said the $150,000 funding from the NSW government will help to give Western Sydney musicians a platform to showcase their talents. 

"The Live & Local initiative is about the local community working together to create vibrant and innovative entertainment for everyone to enjoy," Grant said.

"For example, Blacktown City Council will work with local businesses to present a curated music series inside a local restaurant or outside a café.

"Western Sydney has a proud history of contributing to Australian music and these events will add to that esteemed playlist by showcasing local veteran performers and future leading talent."

The NSW government has already allocated an additional $100,000 to support a second round for the program next year following the positive response from local councils. 

"As a music industry we can be very focused on the inner city scenes, without considering the great potential for audience development in the suburbs, not to mention the amazing wealth and diversity of artists in Western Sydney in particular," Live Music Office Policy Director John Wardle told theMusic.

"Over the last few years a great deal of ground has been covered in policy development and better regulation at the local government level. This initiative is all about activation - with the focus on the musicians and the curators."

Wardle believes there is an enormous amount of potential from this project to help connect local artists and venues with the wider music community.

"This will build local capacity and networks, as well as provide so many jobs and opportunities for artists, build audiences and make for better and better events as the program is evaluated..."