Support for arts and culture

How can we support the future of Sydney’s creative economy?

Hear from Australian actor and producer Claudia Karvan and a panel of experts and cultural leaders at the next CityTalks.

Join the discussion at our next CityTalk at Sydney Town Hall. Abril Felman / City of Sydney

We’re hosting a free talk on how governments, urban planners and the creative industries can work together to support the future of Sydney’s creative economy.

Culture and creativity are the soul of our cities and communities – they create a sense of belonging, revitalise neighbourhoods, build communities, drive innovation and contribute to local and city centre economies.

While Sydney is a powerhouse of culture for the nation, what makes that possible is at risk. Our creative workforce increasingly can’t afford to live or work in Sydney.

“Sydney’s rising property prices, the transformation of former industrial areas and the pandemic have savaged our cultural life – threatening the viability of live music venues, small theatres, galleries and rehearsal spaces, and the affordability of studios, workshops and warehouses,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.

“Losing the people with the ideas and skills that make up the lifeblood of Sydney’s cultural life is not an option. Join us to discuss how solutions like precinct revitalisation and a creative lands trust could work for Sydney.”

At this CityTalks, Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney will be joined by Claudia Karvan, Australian actor and producer, the Hon John Graham MLC, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy and Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and the Creative Industries, founder and Chair of the World Cities Culture Forum and a panel of Sydney's cultural experts.

The evening will be hosted by Zan Rowe, TV presenter and broadcaster, host of Take 5 with Zan Rowe, with a special performance by Dan Sultan, one of Australia's most loved singer-songwriters.

Hear from experts and cultural leaders as they discuss innovative new approaches to supporting Sydney’s creative sector. Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney
Hear from experts and cultural leaders as they discuss innovative new approaches to supporting Sydney’s creative sector. Katherine Griffiths / City of Sydney

Hear from:

  • Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney
  • The Hon John Graham MLC, Special Minister of State, Minister for Roads, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism
  • Claudia Karvan OAM, Australian actor and producer
  • Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and the Creative Industries, founder and Chair of the World Cities Culture Forum
  • Darren Dale, Board Chair of the Sydney Film Festival and ACMI, Managing Director and producer at Blackfella Films
  • Sara Mansour, Former Chair of the Artists Advisory Panel to the Minister - NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy, co-founder and executive director of the Bankstown Poetry Slam
  • Alex Schuman, CEO, Carla Zampatti
  • Hellen Morgan-Harris, Director, Tortuga Studios, Co-chair of the City of Sydney Cultural and Creative Sector Advisory Panel
  • Marcus Westbury OAM, CEO and co-founder, FBIDEAs.org

CityTalks: Making space for culture - the future of Sydney's creative economy is on Wednesday, 12 June from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Sydney Town Hall.

The event is free but tickets must be booked through Ticketmaster.

Published 23 May 2024, updated 7 June 2024