NSW Government supports creative audiences and workers with boost for music, arts, events and the night-time economy

This Budget will focus on supporting the grassroots of arts and culture, with communities, the creative industries, and night-time economy set to benefit from the 2023-24 NSW Budget.

From free museum entry and supporting local music venues in NSW, to backing foundational arts and community festivals, this year's Budget demonstrates a new approach to encouraging the creation of vibrant and creative arts, entertainment and hospitality precincts and event experiences as unique as the communities they serve.

Festivals and experiences are a critical part of our culture and entertainment, bringing local and international audiences to our cities and regions. In 2023-24 we are committing an additional $41.3 million for events including Narooma Oyster Festival and Great Southern Nights.

This supports existing funding to retain and attract events in Sydney and regional NSW such as Vivid, the Mardi Gras, Sydney Festival, and World Cups.

Festivals need a secure pipeline of creative talent and workers. Venues are critical in this ecosystem. We are investing $31.2 million over one year for contemporary music, including developing a Music Scene Plan, establishing Sound NSW and a venue support plan.

NSW is facing a cost-of-living crisis. We are supporting families doing it tough with $28.3 million over four years for free general admission at the Australian Museum and Museums of History NSW.

We are committed to getting the framework right to revitalise our cities with inclusive and safe precincts. We are investing $26.8 million in 2023-24 to support the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner including its expansion to Wollongong, the Central Coast and Newcastle to build vibrant, safe, and diverse night-time economies in those regions.

Ensuring vulnerable and marginal communities have a place to feel celebrated and seen, we are supporting Qtopia with $3.9 million for a permanent home. The LGBTQI+ museum will be housed at the former Darlinghurst police station.

This will be a dedicated space for education, reflection and artistic expression, ensuring these important narratives will be honoured, shared and become part of a lasting tribute that engages, educates and inspires many future generations to come.

Additional to program investment, we are investing $487.9 million in capital expenditure over the next NSW Budget 2023-24 budget.nsw.gov.au
year.

This includes the $3.2 million for the National Art School Precinct Renewal and the first year of a new commitment of $35 million over four years for infrastructure maintenance and critical works to keep cultural institutions such as the Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, State Library of NSW, and Museums of History NSW operating at the standard visitors expect.

The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to save the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, committing $250 million for a heritage revitalisation.

An additional $5.5 million will fund improvements works and technology upgrades at the Sydney Opera House.