Culture returns to Sydney’s streets in one of the silver linings from 2020
A host of new initiatives are making sure that Sydney is not only a safe place to visit but a vibrant and diverse one.
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The city of Sydney has always been an incredible place to visit; world-class food, street entertainment, and the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge making it one of the most famous skylines in the world.
But, like many cities across the globe, Sydney slowed down when COVID-19 hit. Venues paused, the music stopped, and restaurants turned to takeaway. But now, Sydney is back bigger and better than ever before.
A host of new initiatives are making sure that Sydney is not only a safe place to visit but a vibrant and diverse one. There are new outdoor entertainment venues, increased al fresco dining and later opening hours just waiting to be enjoyed.
Speaking of creating the future of Sydney, City of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore said: “We need to allow and encourage businesses to operate outdoors, and we need to support our creative and cultural life to activate and draw people back to our city, safely.”
$20m investment is turning the city into a 24-hour alfresco extravaganza
Thanks to a $20 million Al Fresco City Agreement Plan between the City of Sydney and the NSW Government, this vision is fast becoming a reality. Called ‘Alfresco Sydney’, this revitalisation project is aimed at transforming the city into an outdoor cultural experience.
One of the most exciting new additions is Sunset Piazza, a COVID-safe, outdoor pop-up venue. Throughout February and March, there are 32 nights of live comedy and music including G Flip, Ben Lee, Peking Duck, Alex the Astronaut, Allday, Emma Pask, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra among others.
“Sunset Piazza will extend our long summer nights right through to March and provide affordable and COVID-safe entertainment for local residents, office workers and visitors,” the Lord Mayor continued.
Existing cafes, bars, and restaurants are also expanding their outdoor offerings thanks to a fast-tracked application process making it easier and quicker for venues to create COVID-safe areas and experiences.
Liquor & Gaming NSW are also waiving all fees associated with new and existing outdoor dining permit holders.
Bars and restaurants have been quick to jump on the opportunity, including mezco and margarita bar Cantina OK!, located in Council Place. It was previously one of the smallest bars in Sydney before expanding into the laneway with seating for up to 30 people.
Of course, Sydney is already renowned for its rooftop bars, so all of these new additions give visitors even more places to relax and enjoy a cold beverage or a bite to eat.
More good news for the public and venue owners alike is the scrapping of the last of Sydney’s lock-out laws which have been easing over the past 12 months. This boost for the night-time economy of the city will make the 24-hour vision even stronger.
Bringing Sydney’s streets alive with art installations
It’s not just Sydney’s bars and restaurants that are receiving support through the new al fresco city plan. The city’s art scene is also receiving a boost with funding for temporary artworks and roving entertainers.
As part of the program, you can wander through Abercrombie Lane and have your fortune told by a futuristic ghost (yes, you read that right). The interactive suspended installation is called ‘We Are All Astonishingly Wise’ from artist Katy B Plummer.
‘Ever Sun’ on Wilmot Street is another suspended installation that plays with natural light, ‘Barlow Street Forest’ by the Dirty Witches Collective is an installation focussed on environmental justice and ‘Giant Badges’ by Adam Norton’s is inspired by apocalyptic sci-fi films, pop and counterculture.
“These four commissions were part of the City of Sydney’s plan to boost the city centre economy, support local businesses and artists, and create jobs across the summer period,” the Lord Mayor continued. “These works will transform many people’s daily experience of our city and add an element of surprise, humour and intrigue.”
If that’s not enough, as part of the Lunar Festival Chinatown has been coming alive each evening with community performers bringing dance and music to the streets at 6,30pm, 7.15pm and 8pm.
The city’s museums are also getting in on the late-night action with the Culture Up Late program. Venues including the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, State Library, Australian Museum and Hyde Park Barracks are all opening their doors later with live music, tours and other performances.
Even when summer is behind us, it’s expected that Sydney’s arts and theatre scene will continue to surprise and delight thanks to the 2020-21 NSW Budget committing $291 million to the State’s arts, screen and culture sectors.
The future of the Harbour city is looking bright
With terms like social distancing, mask-wearing, and COVID-safe no doubt remaining in our vocabulary for the foreseeable future, silver linings can sometimes be hard to see. But Sydney has proven that this new normal can co-exist with a thriving city life.
Our harbour city is leading the way and showing that a COVID-safe, diverse and exciting environment is not only possible. But it’s possibly even better than before. The only thing left now, is to come and see for yourself.
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