Plans to Revitalise Parramatta’s $1 Billion Creative Economy

The City of Parramatta Council has announced plans to revitalise its $1 billion creative economy with the launch of a new grants program supporting cultural and creative enterprises.

From 3 September until 20 September, eligible businesses and organisations in fields including the arts, design, publishing, screen, sound and heritage are invited to apply. Worth $785,000, this package will enable eligible businesses and organisations to access financial assistance under the $150,000 Creative Economy Grants Program.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said the creative sector had been hard during the pandemic, leading the Council to use the grant program to increase investment in the City’s recovery.

“Our Creative Economy Grants Program is an investment in our City’s recovery – helping business and organisations to get back on their feet and continue to offer the community valuable cultural experiences,” said Cr Dwyer.

On offer for successful applicants are funding grants between $5,000 and $20,000 under the program. Set up following consultation with arts, screen, media and tech companies about the impacts of COVID-19, the initiative aims to help businesses operate in the new normal.

“The pandemic has transformed how businesses operate and deliver services. Our grants program taps into this change – it is designed to help the creative sector bounce back faster and stronger by encouraging innovation, adaptability and resilience,” said Cr Dwyer.

It comes following the release of $3 million in support from the Relief and Recovery package, which saw $785,000 in measures to support the creative economy.

The Creative Economy Grants Program joins other funding initiatives like the Riverside Theatres Digital series of live-streamed concerts and performances; HOME AT Parramatta online platform, a gateway to diverse digital cultural experiences and offerings that attract new audiences; and Digital festivals and programming, including WARAMI Live and Make Music Day.

“Cultural and creative enterprises are the heart of our City and we are doing all we can to support them during this difficult time,” said Cr Dwyer.

“In addition to our grants program, Council’s creative hubs are continuing to deliver dynamic cultural programming and activities in new and innovative ways.

“These include Parramatta Artists’ Studios’ ‘Studio Conversations’ podcast series and ‘Parramatta By Foot’ street art project, City of Parramatta Libraries’ online story time and National Science Week programming, and the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre’s Victory in the Pacific Day Online Experience.”