Some $3 million have been set aside as funds for Precinct Activation Grants to boost the Redfern Street Party and 13 other programs, in an effort to revive participation in activities previously affected by Covid lockdowns.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that these grants were designed to also help local businesses forge long-term relationships with the community. The programs were developed following consultations with stakeholders, local business chambers, and the Nightlife and Creative Sector Advisory Panel.
In February, over 40 programs applied for the grants and 14 were chosen to receive the funding. Some of these programs include the following:
- Redfern Street Party – A celebration of all things Redfern including a community engagement program, festival and month-long exhibition program – $288,172
- Art in the Heart of Haymarket – Combining the contemporary and traditional Asian cultures of Chinatown, this public art activation in Haymarket will unite the community and audiences – $300,000 and $3,132 value-in-kind
- The Hollywood Precinct – A 6-week activation in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills involving local bars and restaurants to showcase art, music and culture – $292,000
- Secrets on Stanley Street – Stanley Street in Darlinghurst will host a festival of food, drinks and music over six weekends – $100,000
- Quay Quarter Live – Monthly growers and producers markets at Circular Quay and quarterly art and music events, including digital art and light installations throughout the year – $294,905 and $6,400 value-in-kind
- Kensington Street Festival – A festival activating Kensington Street in Chippendale with cultural and creative programming to coincide with Sydney Festival – $100,000
- Neon Playground by Chinatown – A 2-month activation featuring contemporary art, light installations and music – $300,000 and $2,900 value-in-kind
- Sound Out the Street – Six months of Friday night programming of music, sound installations and workshops in Erskineville, culminating with a 3-day festival – $299,300 and $5,068 value-in-kind
These activities are set to take place from 1 June 2022 to 30 June 2023. Additional fees and applicable services for the event hire will also be waived for these programs.
“The past two years have been incredibly challenging for all of us, particularly our city centre as venues were capped, people began working from home and domestic and international travel ground to a halt,” the mayor said.
“But we’re starting to see the city buzz once again, and our new precinct activation program will help drive that recovery further.
“This innovative grant program was designed to encourage businesses, creatives and communities to collaborate and bring cultural activity to precincts and local neighbourhoods.
“That means we’ll not only see great events taking place right across the city, we’ll also see neighbouring businesses and communities working together, building relationships and capacity to ensure such events and collaboration continue long term.
“From Circular Quay to Surry Hills, Redfern to Haymarket, we have so many wonderful events in the works that will give you a chance to support local businesses and rediscover all the city has to offer.”