A New Creative Future for our City of Sydney
City of Sydney Labor recognises the importance of supporting arts and cultural expression and activity in The City of Sydney. Arts and cultural activities and infrastructure are fundamental to creating flourishing communities, vibrant places and robust day and night economies.
For Labor, The City of Sydney is more than just a showcase venue for the arts.
Like any thriving, culturally enriched community, Sydney needs to not only promote artists and creatives but also help them live and practice as residents and industries.
Assisting and encouraging artists in the day to day costs and management of their practices will be core business for a City of Sydney Labor led Council.
The arts and culture sector has been hit hard by COVID-19. Lockdowns and social distancing requirements have seen a reduction in live performance venues, high unemployment in the arts community and significant loss of economic activity. Direct investment in arts and culture will help the City recover faster from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19.
Local government is an integral provider and supporter of the arts. Nationally, ABS figures show that in 2017, local government investment in culture and heritage was $1.5 billion, or over 27% of the total national investment by all governments. The cultural and creative sector is worth $111.7 billion, or 6.4% of GDP. Investment in the arts pays off.
City of Sydney Labor will drive the economic recovery of the CBD through direct investment and innovative initiatives in the arts and cultural sector.
Special Creative Precincts
City of Sydney Labor will create special creative precincts to focus on supporting artists and helping creative businesses open and thrive in the City. The precincts will provide affordable workspaces, business support including opening hours conducive to live entertainment and new routes into creative jobs.
Sydney Creative Showcase
City of Sydney Labor will initiate, sponsor and promote an Annual Creative Showcase in December. In a show of united solidarity every art form, from major theatre companies, arts and music companies and art collectives through to bands and individual practitioners will be invited to march, dance, perform and sing on the streets from Carriageworks in Darlington to Redfern Park.
Lord Mayor’s Creative Council
City of Sydney Labor will set up a Lord Mayor’s Creative Council that brings together business and creative leaders to lend their talent and creative energy to help shape Sydney’s creative future.
Permanent Public Art and Performance Spaces
City of Sydney Labor are committed to establishing partnerships with public and private sectors for more permanent public art installations and performance spaces. Permanent installations and spaces in the City will be prioritised over pop-up versions, increasing opportunities for artists to consistently exhibit their talents and surety for the tourist industry in promoting the City of Sydney.
Reducing red tape - exempt development
City of Sydney Labor will explore opportunities to remove the need for costly and time-consuming planning approval for live and performance events. Alongside this City of Sydney Labor are committed to improving access to venues when unloading equipment for live performances. Working within current road safety regulations this will benefit the music industry, surrounding commerce and residents.
Diversity on Creative Panels
Under City of Sydney Labor, membership on all City creative panel’s, including the Public Art Advisory Panel, will be far more inclusive. Panels will have representatives from diverse backgrounds, Indigenous Australians and young people to ensure the decisions made reflect the diversity of the arts sector and broader community.
Commitment to Fair Pay for Arts and Cultural Workers
Under City of Sydney Labor arts and cultural workers engaged in City of Sydney programs will be paid at fair and reasonable rates supported by industry standards and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA).
Make Music Day Australia (MMDA)
City of Sydney Labor will work with CREATE NSW and APRA AMCOS to support and join the worldwide celebration of music on 21 June every year. This event, nurtured in a steady organic fashion can over time become an international showcase of Australian musical talent and become a much anticipated date on the local, interstate and international tourist calendar.