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Over $1 Million In Funding To 'Reignite' Sydney's Live Music Scene

Staff Writer

Sydney's CBD will come alive with performances in its COVID recovery.

The NSW Government has announced over $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.

The 39 recipients range from big organisations like the Biennale Of Sydney, Museum Of Contemporary Art and Bell Shakespeare company through to smaller, independent acts.

The Oxford Art Factory received a grant to present a series of diverse and inclusive Australian music events designed to present established and emerging musicians from around Sydney and NSW, while indie artists including Haiku Hands, Marcus Whale and Danielle Young have received some much needed cash to put on gigs, as well as comedians, theatre companies and more.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program would play an important part in revitalising the 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,” Perrottet said.

“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.

NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin added, “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.

“Through 39 projects, this funding will support over 900 artists and the broader live music and performance scene."

The announcement of the grants comes after the NSW Government yesterday announced a $24 Million support package for live venues.

The full list of Play The City (Sydney) NSW Round Two Grants recipients can be found here.