City of Parramatta’s unique arts and culture sector and night-time economy is about to get bigger and better, all thanks to a major funding boost from the NSW Government.
The City’s Parramatta Up Late Program is one of 11 successful in securing funding as part of the multimillion- dollar 2022/23 Western Sydney Culture Up Late Program, awarded $198,000 from the $1.9 million pool.
The funding supports a suite of cultural events, performances, activations and workshops hosted after 5pm from September 2023 to the end of February 2024. As part of this, Riverside Theatres will transform into a live music venue with tropical garden for ‘Riverside Gardens Live’ while free creative community workshops will be held at Wentworth Point Community Centre and PHIVE through Community Hub Programs.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey said Council will use the funding to further strengthen Parramatta’s night-time offering.
“Parramatta has one of the strongest night-time economies in the state, so I welcome the NSW Government’s decision to further invest in our vibrant City,” Cr Pandey said.
“The City of Parramatta recently gained Purple Flag accreditation which means that our city’s CBD meets international standards of excellence in vibrancy, diversity and safety at night.
“This funding means there’s never been a better time to visit Parramatta after dark!”
The NSW Government’s Western Sydney Culture Up Late initiative supports local arts and cultural organisations to develop new programs, engage new audiences and create vibrant local precincts connecting local restaurants, bars, retailers, and transport providers, through activations targeted to an after 5pm audience.
