Mayor calls for Vivid for the inner west
Wednesday 18 October 2017
Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Byrne has today called on the State Government to bring the Vivid Sydney festival to the inner west in 2018.
Mayor Byrne has written to the State Government seeking to commence negotiations about extending the festival of light to iconic locations throughout Inner West Council’s local government area.
“For far too long the State Government has left the western side of the Harbour in the dark, and it’s time to turn the lights on,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Today I have written to the government calling for immediate negotiations to include our vibrant and culturally diverse community in the Vivid Sydney 2018 program.
“Vivid is one of Sydney’s most popular annual festivals which has already expanded to Sydney’s north and west – now it’s time for it to come to the inner west,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Being part of an event that attracts over 2.3 million visitors would provide a huge boost to our local economy and stimulate night time activity.
“The inner west is perfectly placed on the edge of the city to host events during Vivid.
“Art is for everybody and I want the Vivid lights to shine through the inner west,” Mayor Byrne said.
Last year despite heavy rain, Vivid Sydney set a new record with 2.33 million people attending the festival which contributed over $143 million to the economy.
“Over the past few years the Government held events on the north shore and other parts of the city,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Given the popularity of the festival there is clearly room to expand it to more precincts to ensure the benefits of the event flow throughout other parts of Sydney.”
Mayor Byrne said Inner West Council represents approximately 186,000 residents and covers an area of 36 square km from Balmain in the North, Newtown in the East, Tempe in the South and Croydon in the West.
“Our area is home to an active and vibrant arts community and is one of the State’s most culturally diverse council areas which would provide the perfect backdrop for all the colour and movement of Vivid,” he said.