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Sydney

Even as new doors open, Sydney finds some still firmly shut

Index 75.0 / 100

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Sydney is seeing new energy after the lockout laws, with new DIY collectives and events in community-owned, and more unconventional spaces. But nightlife is concentrated in central areas, money goes to landlords rather than promoters, and the focus group said over-policing particularly targets LGBTQIA+ venues, several of which have closed.

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Sydney

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CRESPADIVCOMPOLSUSCreative Ecology · 58.0Space & Infrastructure · 52.0Diversity & Representation · 31.0Community & Belonging · 23.0Policy & Civic Health · 81.0Sustainability & Environment · 43.0

“The disposable-income question is dominating everything. There’s so much money that used to go back into community that is going into the pockets of landlords… you’re seeing a lot of that nightlife go into private spaces, a lot of people going back to the house party. Who it’s for and who it should be for are now different questions.”

Focus group participant, Not-for-Profit Co-Founder

Key figures

  • 167Dedicated music venues
  • 47Large music festivals
  • 183Cultural venues open at night
  • 1.13Hours of minimum wage for a club ticket
  • 29.8%Female and gender-diverse artists in lineups
  • 170Non-music cultural events at night

Key indicators

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