Decision details

Moved by Councillor Gannon, seconded by Councillor Scully -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         on 18 October 2021, the NSW Government through Create NSW announced $5 million for a Theatre and Film Strategy:

(a)       the purpose of this strategy was for the development of a film studio and theatre infrastructure policy that will help secure international productions and strengthen the local industry; and

(b)       the City of Sydney is the best placed Local Government Area for international productions;

(ii)        the importance of the arts and cultural industry in the City of Sydney;

(iii)      the need for more theatres in the City of Sydney;

(iv)      the significance of the arts and cultural industry in the revitalisation of the Sydney CBD and night time economy; and

(v)       on 15 December 2020, a joint feasibility study commissioned by the City of Sydney and Create NSW was published on the viability of the Minerva Theatre in Potts Point:

(a)       the study indicated that reinstatement of the Minerva as a commercially operated theatre is a viable proposition; and

(b)       the Theatre and Film strategy will have implications on the future of sites like the Minerva theatre within the City of Sydney; and

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Minister for the Arts:

(i)         requesting an update on the Theatre and Film Strategy on behalf of Council;

(ii)        conveying Council’s support for the Theatre and Film Strategy as expressed in this motion;

(iii)      calling on the NSW Government to continue its investment in cultural capital projects; and

(iv)      provide an update to Councillors on receipt of a response from the Minister.

Carried unanimously.

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