Art and cultural institutions and local independent artists are set to benefit from a $1 million funding boost ahead of next year’s inaugural Sydney WorldPride Festival.
The NSW Government, through Create NSW, is investing in the expansion of the Sydney WorldPride program, including First Nations arts, visual arts, theatre, dance, literature and multi arts.
This funding enables Sydney WorldPride to support a range of projects that are planned for the festival, and provides $300,000 for a new Sydney WorldPride Project Investment round.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the funding will create jobs for the sector, boost the state’s economy, and firmly place Sydney on the world map as a truly inclusive global city.
“The NSW Government is proud to support and celebrate Sydney WorldPride Festival, the most internationally celebrated LGBTQIA+ festival in the world, which will strengthen Sydney’s reputation as a global and inclusive city,” said Mr Franklin.
“This time next year, Sydney will be host to one of the biggest LGBTQIA+ festivals in the world, and the NSW Government’s $1 million in support for arts and cultural programming at the Sydney WorldPride Festival will provide a huge boost to the state’s economy.”
“This investment will allow First Nations artists, independent artists and groups to create new works and events showcasing homegrown projects, to be seen on a global stage while engaging audiences from around the world with the talent and stories of Sydney’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community,” said Mr Franklin.
Sydney WorldPride CEO Kate Wickett welcomed the arts and cultural investment for the Festival. “This is such an exciting investment in LGBTQIA+ arts and culture. We are so proud of the exciting works that we will now be able to fund to be part of Sydney WorldPride,” said Ms Wickett.
Festival Co-Creative Directors Ben Graetz and Dan Clarke said the funding will support the revitalisation of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture in Sydney. “This funding gives us the opportunity to reignite the LGBTQIA+ arts and culture community in Sydney,” they said.
“We are looking forward to creating and presenting a once in a lifetime festival with something to suit everyone.”
Applications for the Sydney WorldPride Project Investment round opens Wednesday 23 March. An information session will be held on 31 March. Applications close 5.00pm AEST Friday 29 April 2022. For more information, visit: www.sydneyworldpride.com for details.
Image: Sarah Ward – courtesy of Sydney WorldPride