Behind a door in Chippendale, one of Sydney’s most exciting new spaces is taking wing. The latest in a group of venues and galleries owned by philanthropist Judith Neilson, Phoenix Central Park is opening up new opportunities for artists and performers, and contributing to the reshaping of Sydney’s nightlife in the post-lockouts, post-COVID era.

Because Phoenix is a philanthropic venture rather than a commercial one, it is unique among performance venues. It doesn’t schedule gigs every night, and it doesn’t need a bar to boost the balance sheet. It doesn’t even charge for tickets: they are run by ballot. And beyond live concerts, Phoenix has also been active digitally – especially through Sydney’s COVID lockdowns – commissioning multiple series of video projects from the likes of Sydney Dance Company, Ensemble Apex, Sally Whitwell, and more.

Limelight sat down with Phoenix’s Director, Beau Neilson – Judith’s youngest daughter who previously sat on the board of Sydney Dance Company – to talk about Phoenix’s philosophy, the changing face of Sydney, and the practicalities of running such an atypical venue.

Beau Neilson. Photo © Jordan K Munns

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