Parramatta is on the brink of becoming Greater Sydney's epicentre of arts and culture with its Creative Parramatta Cultural Strategy (2025-2034) set to foster creativity, cultural expression and diverse experiences in the region endorsed at Council's ordinary meeting this week.
Creative Parramatta will drive development and production in the arts, creative and cultural sectors, establish opportunities for emerging and established talent and boost visitation to the local economy.
The cultural strategy was developed in partnership with more than 30 creative organisations and independent creatives, 130 cultural stakeholders and the community guiding Parramatta's transformation into Western Sydney's cultural heartland.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the strategic document serves as both a commitment to our community and a roadmap for the City's vibrant future.
"Creative Parramatta has been developed with our community to help elevate our City to its full potential as a thriving creative hub for people who visit, live or work in Parramatta," Cr Zaiter said.
"We want Parramatta to be the culture capital of Western Sydney and beyond, a vibrant cultural destination anchored by Powerhouse Parramatta, a reimagined Riverside Theatres and burgeoning talent.
"This is a way to celebrate our City with the rest of world by sharing and promoting the unique and culturally rich stories of our past, present and future."
Creative Parramatta is guided by five key priorities:
- First Nations First - engaging with and advocating for Dharug and other First Nation peoples to deliver cultural initiatives
- Increase Access to Cultural Practice and Participation - investing in arts and cultural experiences for creative practitioners and visitors to the City
- Cultural Infrastructure, Precincts and Planning - growing opportunities for creative industry workers to access affordable, fit-for-purpose tenure-secure spaces for their work
- Education, Employment and Skills Development - building the City's reputation as a leader in arts, cultural and creative industries training, skills development and employment opportunities
- Cultural and Creative Leadership - positioning Parramatta as the cultural capital of Western Sydney and beyond.
