PARRAMATTA residents and visitors are set for spectacular nights out, as eight Western Sydney arts and culture organisations keep their lights on – and the entertainment flowing with a series of late-night programs and events.
The NSW Government has committed over $1M to expand the Culture Up Late initiative to Western Sydney and support eight local arts and cultural organisations to keep their doors open late.
Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said broadening the scope of this program is a key priority of the NSW Government to boost the revitalisation of the state’s economy.
“Western Sydney has some of the most iconic and state-of-the-art cultural venues in the world and we want to make them as accessible as possible,” Mr Ayres said.
“Keeping their doors open later will let more people engage with art and culture when and how they want. It will also create more jobs and attract visitors keen to enjoy the best our city and state has to offer.”
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said that Western Sydney is home to an innovative and vibrant arts and culture sector, and the expansion of the initiative will see that local businesses, visitors, and residents benefit from an increase in arts and cultural experiences.
“We know arts and culture are key economic drivers for NSW and this targeted support for Western Sydney’s cultural institutions will go a long way in helping bring our CBDs back to life and encouraging people to spend a fun and safe night out and about with their friends and families,” Mr Franklin said.
“Culture Up Late: Western Sydney gives locals and visitors more opportunities to enjoy all that our wonderful arts and cultural organisations have to offer, from exhibitions, to events, live music, food trucks and film screenings. There really is something for everyone.”
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: “The initiative delivers on the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy commitment to extend and promote opening hours for cultural institutions.
“Trialing late opening of cultural venues offers Sydneysiders and visitors alike a more diverse night-time offering,” Mr Rodrigues said.
“It is so encouraging to see this initiative now expanding across Greater Sydney, following success at our much-loved institutions in inner Sydney.”
Bankstown Arts Centre, Blacktown Arts, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Casula Powerhouse, Granville Arts Centre, Penrith Performing and Visual Arts, City of Parramatta Council, and Rouse Hill Estate are participating in Culture Up Late: Western Sydney.
Check participating organisations’ websites for individual hours and specific programming. Culture Up Late: Western Sydney will run until June 2022 and is one of the many NSW Government CBD revitalisation initiatives designed to support businesses, jobs and boost Sydney’s cultural life.
