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
Call for artwork from refugee artistsShare your artwork of hope, welcome and belonging20 June 2024News
Lights, camera, action: Sydney Film Festival opens Grab your choc tops and popcorn, and settle in for some great cinema from 5 to 16 June5 June 2024News
City of Sydney employee Otis Williams shares what drew him to RedfernHear more from Otis about what reconciliation week means to him and what drew him to the City of Sydney.30 May 2024News
At the movies: Sydney's love affair with cinemasFrom grand picture palaces to cineplex chains, take a front row seat to the story of our theatres from the silver screen's first century.29 May 2024News
The colourful tale of rainbow families storytimeCelebrating the many ways to be a family through storytelling at our libraries.28 May 2024News
Young readers all on the same page for National Simultaneous StorytimeAward-winning author and illustrator Aura Parker shared her book ‘Bowerbird Blues’ with more than 2 million participants across Australia.28 May 2024News
Our picks for 7 must-see events at Vivid SydneyFrom dazzling lights and live music in an old substation to big ideas with Matildas royalty, discover what's new at this year's festival, 24 May to 15 June.27 May 2024News
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.23 May 2024News
In pictures: New artwork brings light and life to lanewaysInspired by Sydney icons, ‘In Through the Out Door’ by Callum Morton transforms humble fire exits22 May 2024News
119 Redfern wins National Trust Hertiage Awards architecture prize The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and knowledge centre will ensure stories are treasured for generations to come.22 May 2024