Policy & Civic Health · Indicator 4
Public funding for nighttime culture
What this indicator asks
Does public funding in Sydney reach nighttime culture, and can grassroots organisers apply for it?
61.3/ 100 · Sydney
Only one council, the City of Parramatta, has a grant defined by the night. A group with no legal status cannot hold a state grant itself, and must apply through an individual or a funds administrator.
An expert claimed the City of Sydney’s grants mostly go to organisations it already knows:
“The vast majority of funding through grants goes to organisations that are already well known. I can’t think of the last time where I’ve seen a grant round of recipients and gone, ‘Oh, wow, I’ve never heard of them before.’ So I get concerned that it’s not easy or affordable for people with new ideas to have the kind of courage and confidence to have a crack.”
We looked at three parts: how directly funding is aimed at the night, who can apply, and how long it is committed for.
- Creative and Night-Time Economy Grant, City of Parramatta
- up to A$20,000 for projects at night, from a pool of A$100,000 a year.
- Artist support grant, City of Sydney
- A$25,000 each for 40 artists for one year, to cover cost of living, with no new work required.
- Sound NSW
- Contemporary Music Development Grants, and an All-Ages Live Music Venue Program.