ABOUT THIS PRIORITY
As an expression of community diversity and dynamism, culture is the characteristic that kinetically defines, reshapes and challenges Western Sydney’s identity. At a structural level, investment in arts infrastructure and programs for Western Sydney still significantly lags Inner Sydney and comparable populations.
The Powerhouse relocation to Parramatta brings scale, but the implications of the subsequent retention of the museum’s Ultimo site, and questions over political will, need to be addressed. Resourcing and support for greater cultural expression among the region’s widespread migrant, refugee and ethnically diverse communities is needed.
“Culture is the characteristic that kinetically defines, reshapes and challenges Western Sydney’s identity.”
GOOD PERFORMANCE
- Commitment to the Powerhouse Parramatta
- Confirmed Riverside Theatres upgrade
- $190 million Western Parkland City Liveability Program
- Strong focus on public space access and activation
- Multicultural NSW COMPACT grants
- Create NSW’s Western Sydney Arts, Screen and Cultural Roundtable
- New co-funded $25 million ‘Granville Centre’ community hub and gallery
POOR PERFORMANCE
- Retreat on original commitment to fully relocate the Powerhouse to Parramatta
- Abandonment of both the promised ANZ rebuild then refurbishment
- Insufficient funding for smaller and community-based arts and cultural institutions
- Lack of strategic direction on the arts or a long-term plan for the region’s creative future
- Under-investment in community capacity building, particularly in high growth areas
- Structural issues are a barrier to attracting large scale events and festivals to the West
THE VERDICT
The Powerhouse Parramatta is among the most significant cultural infrastructure investments in NSW history. Support for the initiative and its distinct focus on Indigenous astronomy, space exploration, transport, agriculture, food, climate and energy was strong among Mid-Term Report Card respondents. ‘Why stop at the Powerhouse?’ one respondent remarked. ‘What about other assets… being leveraged for an accelerated equity drive into the West?’
Investments in multicultural programs via initiatives like the COMPACT scheme were viewed as positive, yet respondents emphasised the need for more comprehensive programs of support for community capacity building across Western Sydney, particularly in high growth and socioeconomically diverse areas.
Lack of clarity and commitment on particular society and culture investments was cited as an issue of considerable concern. The rationale for the abandonment of the ANZ stadium rebuild, and then its planned refurbishment was unclear, especially in the wake of the strident case the Government made for the project pre-election. Also, it is unclear whether the much-needed ‘grassroots’ and ‘community sports’ facilities will be delivered, as promised, in the NSW Government co-funded Penrith community and sports centre.
“People need to see themselves reflected in the cultural and arts offerings made available to them.”
Respondents from the region’s arts sector emphasised the need for a definitive and properly resourced cultural strategy for the region’s future. The absence of such a plan became clear during the pandemic, one respondent observed, when the lack of direction made the mobilisation of urgently needed support difficult across the West.
Respondents noted the positive impact the arts has on mental health. ‘People need to see themselves reflected in the cultural and arts offerings made available to them.’ That was viewed as especially critical in a culturally diverse region like Western Sydney.
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