Premier boosts funds for Sydney festival

4 November 2009

NSW Premier and Minister for the Arts Nathan Rees today launched the Sydney Festival’s biggest ever Western Sydney program.

Mr Rees said that Sydney Festival is now Australia’s biggest annual cultural celebration and one of the best loved events in Sydney’s calendar.

“I want this festival to grow as a celebration of our city while it continues to attract visitors from around Australia and the rest of the world,” Mr Rees said.

“That’s why we will invest an additional $1.75 million into the popular Festival First Night.

“Last year around 240,000 people took to the city’s streets and parks to see music and performances from all over the world.”

Mr Rees said that the 2010 festival program will bring more events to Western Sydney than ever before.

“This is the first time the Sydney Festival has boasted an exclusive Western Sydney program spanning Parramatta, Penrith and Campbelltown.

“It’s great to see this year’s Festival reach out to the suburbs, streets and homes of Western Sydney.”

Mr Rees said that the highlight of the Western Sydney program will be Oscar award-winning artist A.R. Rahman.

“The NSW Government is funding a one-off, free public concert in Parramatta Park to give the people of Sydney a chance to see this much loved musician,” Mr Rees said.

“This will be a great show with more than 40 musicians and dancers alongside Rahman on a custom built outdoor stage.
“Without doubt one of the world’s great talents, I am sure Rahman will show Sydney why he is one of the all-time highest selling recording artists.”

Mr Rees said the NSW Government has been the festival’s main supporter since it began in 1977.

“Including the additional $1.75 million for the Festival First Night, the NSW Government will invest more than $5 million in the Sydney Festival.”