Culture & creativity
The City is committed to supporting Sydney’s cultural life. We recognise the intrinsic and instrumental value of creativity as a cultural, economic and social force.
Why we’re doing this
Sydney faces the challenges posed by a changing economy, a rapidly growing population, and shifting environmental and social conditions.
Failure to confront these challenges has the capacity to produce widespread inequality, disrupt our economy, and leave a negative legacy for future generations.
It is important that everyone in Sydney and New South Wales is able to engage with, and contribute to, our cultural life. All of us have the right to access and contribute to the creation of the kind of city we will enjoy visiting, working and living in.
The political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must be embedded in the city’s economic, social, environmental and cultural change.
Initiative, experimentation and enterprise are the bedrock of creativity. By encouraging them, we not only support economic development but enhance a sense of civic participation and cohesion. This ensures a greater number of people feel a stewardship of place, common heritage and are engaged in the cultural life of the city.
Harnessing our combined energy will produce a strong, cohesive sense of who we are, and what we want Sydney to be. This common culture will help us meet the challenges of the future, and ensure our city remains not only economically viable, but also an inclusive and interesting place to live, work and visit.
Urban design and regulation, increased opportunities for creativity, a balance between residential amenity and a vibrant evening economy, a range of public spaces, support for innovation and experimentation, and the reduction of barriers, such as housing costs, as well as arts funding and infrastructure will ensure diverse and active participation in Sydney’s cultural life.
Action areas
Culture & creativity
Creative cityCulture & creativity
ReconciliationCulture & creativity
Public art
City of Sydney News
News
Be part of Sydney Lunar Festival 2023Associated event program applications are open2 August 2022News
Hello WorldPride: Sydney prepares for global LGBTIQA+ celebrationMore than 500,000 people will enjoy arts, sport, parties and First Nations programming from 17 February to 5 March 2023.27 June 2022News
Promote your NAIDOC Week event free onlineThe week celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is on from 3 to 10 July.21 June 2022News
Video: ‘bara’, a monument to the traditional custodians of Gadigal Country‘bara’ by Aboriginal artist Judy Watson is a major new permanent artwork to celebrate the First Peoples of Sydney.16 June 2022News
Musicians, filmmakers, painters and more set up shop on Bathurst StreetThe new City of Sydney Creative Studios provide affordable, purpose-built spaces for artists.7 June 2022News
Artists, creatives and producers: explore opportunities to be part of Sydney Lunar Festival 2023We’re looking for proposals to design and produce visual elements to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.6 June 2022News
In pictures: Celebrating National Reconciliation WeekPeople came together at Redfern Community Centre for dancing, a hearty lunch and film screening.3 June 2022News
7 ways to engage with First Nations culture and community Make an impact beyond National Reconciliation Week.3 June 2022News
Meet the creatives living and working in reduced-rent spaces in the inner cityMultidisciplinary artists, musicians, performers and change-makers are creating in our live/work spaces.31 May 2022News
Monument to First Nations people unveiled on Gadigal Country At a headland ceremony overlooking Sydney Harbour, dancers unveiled 'bara', one of Sydney’s most significant public artworks.30 May 2022