Four major Sydney festivals have received a funding boost from City of Sydney Council with the Sydney Writer’s Festival, Sydney’s Gay and
Lesbian Mardi Gras, Yabun Festival and Australia Day all being endorsed.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said: “Each year the City of Sydney invests nearly $3.5 million to help stage major festivals in Sydney.”
The Sydney Writer’s festival has received a $660,000 sponsorship agreement, with Sydney’s Mardi Gras receiving $400,000 and Yabun Festival and Australia Day each gaining $130,000.
Ms Moore said: “From national celebrations like Australia Day and Yabun
Festival, to international highlights like Mardi Gras and the Sydney Writers’ Festival, these events enrich our city’s cultural life immeasurably and demonstrate that Sydney is one of the world’s great event capitals.”
The festivals together attract more than one million Sydneysiders each year,
injecting more than $34 million into the local economy.
The funding is part the City’s bid to ensure Sydney’s festivals stay on a world class calendar.
Ms Moore said: “This funding boost will allow our major festival organisers
to expand their events and introduce new programs and activities for Sydneysiders and visitors to enjoy. We look forward to helping them
deliver their biggest and best events yet.”
The sponsorship agreements follow the City’s announcement of over $750,000 extra funding to go to the Biennale of Sydney, as well as Sydney Festival’s
opening night.
City of Sydney spends $9.6 million a year on grants and sponsorships for cultural and community groups.
