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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