PARRAMATTA has won the bid to host the SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival, Australia’s first major music, tech and networking expo running from 30 March 30 to April 3, 2022.
The five-day extravaganza includes live music performances in venues across Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney, along with a Technology and Music Conference at CommBank Stadium where young creators, professionals and entrepreneurs can network with industry leaders.
“The City of Parramatta is proud to be a major partner and the host city of the inaugural SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Issa said.
“As a Smart City at the forefront of innovation and with an eclectic mix of cultures, a vibrant food and arts scene, and world-class hotels and venues in the centre of global Sydney, Parramatta is the perfect home for this cutting-edge event.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event would highlight the unique talent and development of the region.
“This region is going from strength to strength through industry development, investment in research and innovation, and a rich cultural foundation that makes for a dynamic city to live, work, visit and host events,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney has established itself as a hub of creative industries in the Asia-Pacific region, largely through the delivery of incredible events such as Vivid Sydney, ARIA Awards and Semi Permanent, and Sound West stands in good stead on the State’s 2022 event calendar.
Council is a key partner in the not-for-profit event, committing $250,000 in funding. Other partners include Destination NSW, Create NSW, Western Sydney Business Connection, Western Sydney Business Chamber, Rise Funding, ARIA, Tik Tok, and NEC.
“Some of Australia’s best emerging and established musical and digital creatives have cut their teeth in Parramatta, known as a competitive technology and arts hub. Council is thrilled to help foster this new generation of professionals by supporting SOUND WEST,” Cr Issa said.
Local talent showcased
The five-day festival will feature intimate and large performances from established and emerging artists and a two-day music and technology conference at CommBank Stadium, including sessions, workshops and mentoring from some of Australia’s biggest tech brands and music industry leaders.
NEC Ambassador Dylan Alcott OAM, along with Greater Western Sydney talent comprising hip hop star L-FRESH The LION, multi-platinum Grammy nominated producer and composer Khaled Rohaim and digital NFT artist Serwah Attafuah, are among the first to be announced in an impressive line-up of presenters and performers for the event.
Amanda Brisot, General Manager, Western Sydney Business Connection, foundation advocate of SOUND WEST said: “We have been working with the Western Sydney tourism sector to grow the visitor economy since 2016. Western Sydney’s pivotal developments like the Sydney Science Park, the Aerotropolis, Sydney Powerhouse and the CSIRO will reshape the workforce opportunities for Sydney’s West whilst the eclectic mix of cultures and perspectives is proving fertile ground for new creative talent in region SOUND WEST is an important piece of the puzzle and will showcase the unique character and unbelievable talent of this culturally diverse region. The festival will provide our local artists with opportunities on the global stage while giving Western Sydney residents a world class event in their backyard.”.
The SOUND WEST line-up will be announced early next year. Visit www.soundwestsydney.com.au
Image: Amanda Brisot at the announcement.
