The opening of the Conservatorium of Music’s first facility in Western Sydney has been heralded as a landmark move by leading local advocacy group, The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, which will see the region emerge as Sydney’s new cultural heartland.
Speaking at today’s launch, Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM said the University of Sydney’s $30 million investment to open the ‘Parramatta Con’ next year will mark 2026 as the year of the arts for Western Sydney.
“With the opening of the Parramatta Con and the Powerhouse next year, alongside the revitalisation of the Riverside Theatres with a host of arts facilities across the West, and the incredible ongoing success of Parramatta Lanes, 2026 is set to be the year of the arts in Western Sydney,” Mr Brown said.
“Western Sydney’s evolution is seeing the opening next year of the Western Sydney International Airport, the opening of an extensive Metro network, new infrastructure and incredible buildings and architecture, but it is art that is the beating heart of a city.
“The University of Sydney has had a presence in Western Sydney for over 70 years, but this historic and bold move to bring the 101-year-old con to Western Sydney will create careers, connect cultures and trigger much-needed investment in local arts.
“Homegrown talent deserves a home-based place to learn, create and perform. For a region that has produced talent as diverse as ACDC to L-FRESH The LION and Bryan Brown to Toni Collette, this is an amazing opportunity to support the next batch of talent that won’t have to schlep all the way to the harbour to hone their skills.
“We also applaud the Minister for Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy John Graham’s focus on rebalancing the East-West investment in arts, entertainment and culture.
“Western Sydney can rightfully lay claim to being Sydney’s next cultural heartland.
“The challenge for government, businesses and community groups now is to rise up and keep the momentum going right across Western Sydney – we need a permanent home for Bankstown Poetry Slam, we need to ensure the continued funding for the Riverside Theatre’s development, and we need to ensure Campbelltown Arts Centre gets the funding it needs to showcase Western Sydney’s creatives.”
Speaking at the launch, Minister Graham said there was a hunger for music and arts in the schools of Western Sydney.
“We already know that the next generation of talent lives in Western Sydney. Next year, instead of
commuting into the Sydney CBD, they can experience state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding
teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Parramatta.
“The Con at Parramatta will support the development of new voices, new stories and new audiences. And once the Metro West is completed, we no doubt will see students from across Sydney choosing to study in Parramatta, one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city.”