Last month we reported local council's plans for a new entertainment precinct in Sydney that would nurture and protect live music and now there are calls for more creative hubs to be put in place throughout the city to ensure the scene can stay alive and healthy.
As part of the upcoming Vivid Ideas, a new event is to take place to discuss introducing more creative spaces in Sydney, coined We Run This: A Conversation With Australia's Independent Art Sector.
Speaking to theMusic ahead of the conference which will aim to discuss solutions to making creative spaces a reality, 107 Projects Development Manager Dario Phillips believes the proposed Sydenham hub should be not only be supported, but should serve as inspiration to set up more spaces.
"Creative hubs, like the Sydenham proposal, that focus on the intersection of culture, community and enterprise are important to healthy, prosperous communities and could be occurring in communities nationally," Phillips says.
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"It’s time we consider independent creative hubs that offer a mix of multi–arts, community and social programs, in the same conversation as neighbourhood centres, libraries, parks and sporting facilities."
Phillips insists that the detrimental effect that the lockout laws have had on live music in recent months needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
"Live music, as with all art forms, is an important cultural experience," Phillips says.
"For musicians, it's their art, work and method of expression, beyond this however, is the impact for audiences - live music connects people. It also supports enterprise and small business. Anything that causes challenges to the sustainability of small business and low-income earners is an issue that needs careful consideration.
"The way forward is to start from the basic principle that creative spaces make communities safer - the achievement of one aim is inclusive of the other."
While local punters are encouraged to get behind the upcoming conference, there are a number of additional ways individuals can back the idea.
"Individuals can support creative spaces to thrive by attending events or by volunteering - you might be an average punter, but the profession, trade or skills you apply in your work could be crucially valuable – go have a conversation with the people who run the space," Phillips says.
"Make a positive comment on proposals, such as the Sydenham hub, that is open for public feedback and add your voice to putting creative hubs on the national agenda."
The conference will take place at the Giant Dwarf Theatre on 27 May. For more details, including information on tickets, click here.
