NSW Labor has announced $5 million in arts and culture funding targeted at Western Sydney. Among the headline initiatives in the three-year plan, revealed by NSW Arts Minister John Graham at Blacktown Arts Centre today (Tuesday 29 July), is a new Western Sydney festival to rival the likes of Vivid Sydney and SXSW, alongside a three-year plan to grow the region’s creative sector.

“The vision is to create a thriving and inclusive creative ecosystem in Western Sydney that celebrates its diverse communities, drives cultural innovation and delivers social and economic value for everyone,” said Graham.

“To get there, the key priorities are unlocking investment, putting First Nations culture at the centre, growing creative careers, strengthening creative ecosystems, better showcasing Western Sydney artists, and unlocking more cultural spaces.”

Powerhouse Parramatta. Photo © Create NSW

Of the $5 million, $2.15 million has been earmarked for a grants program to be co-funded by Western Sydney councils and a range of commercial, educational and philanthropic partners. Another $2 million will go towards developing the new festival, with its content, location and branding to be announced at a later...