Among the other recipients of the grant include Eastwood, which will use Koreatown branding; Blacktown, whose project will be titled The Gathering, in a bid to create a program of activities to highlight the area’s vibrant youth; and Paddington, where bustling bars and restaurants will now be known as the Paddo Collective.
“This is an exciting opportunity for groups of businesses and creatives in areas across Sydney who’ve laid out their visions to create well-known precincts with unique offerings for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said.
“Owners have enough on their plate with the day-to-day running of their businesses.
“The Uptown Grant Program allows these districts to hire dedicated resources to manage their combined initiatives, including events, marketing and operations.
“The Gathering in Blacktown has one of many exciting visions.
“Their program aims to attract people to hundreds of events, artists and collectives, from hip-hop to the best Afghan and Filipino food, to the incredible work of Solid Ground, haunted ghost tours and films like Here Out West.
“The project will focus on supporting the emergence of youth culture, a local arts and music scene and amplifying and connecting existing offerings in the community.”
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the program was “key” in cementing the state as a tourism hub at night as well as during daylight hours.
“With an Uptown Grant, districts can bring their visions to life and deliver brilliant experiences that celebrate what’s best about their community,” Rodrigues said.
“The Uptown Program is a key element of our 24-Hour Economy Strategy, encouraging place-based collaboration, branding and storytelling within districts, and providing a platform for them to innovate with reduced risk and ultimately become self-sustainable in the future.”