Almost $1 million is up for grabs for projects to promote and beautify Newcastle's CBD and Darby Street.
City of Newcastle has opened applications for its $900,000 City Centre and Darby Street Special Business Rates program.
The Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend round of the program provided $150,000 to seven projects, including a street art festival, an op-shop trail and expanded events at Newcastle Fringe and Newcastle Pride Festival.
The grants program is funded through special rates collected from businesses in Newcastle City Centre/Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend, and are reserved exclusively to enhance those precincts.
Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes congratulated the successful recipients and said she was looking forward to seeing more "creative applications come through".
"SBR initiatives such as West Best Bloc Fest, which will see 80 local music artists perform in venues across the city, and the Small Walls beautification project, are proven to not only attract an influx of visitors but also drive new and expanded economic opportunities for our local hospitality venues, arts and cultural sector," Cr Nelmes said.
Recipient and Newcastle Pride president Lee-Anne McDougall said the funding would help deliver a diverse range of LGBTIQ+ free and ticketed events throughout Hamilton during the Newcastle Pride Festival in October.
"We've developed a program of LGBTIQ+ community events aimed to delight and entertain the Hamilton community and visitors with 'Roving Real Queens of Hamilton', drag bingo, a dance party and much more thanks to SBR support," Ms McDougall said.
Expressions of interest for the City Centre and Darby Street funding round close on September 15. Visit the City of Newcastle website for details.
Hamilton SBR projects
- Newcastle Fringe 2024The project will build on the Fringe Festival's existing presence on Beaumont Street by expanding the number of shows with more family-friendly events and micro-performances in local businesses.
- Newcastle Pride Festival 2023 - HamiltonNewcastle Pride has developed a range of free and ticketed events throughout Hamilton during the festival in October. The project incorporates day and evening events for all ages, including 'Roving Real Queens of Hamilton', drag bingo, cocktails and a dance party.
New Lambton SBR projects
- Little Festival New LambtonA street art festival walking trail featuring live street art painting on temporary and permanent structures, miniature installations, sculptures, stencils, chalk artworks, paste ups, yarn bombs, repurposed found objects, workshops, pop-up exhibitions and activations.
- Joan's Inner Power Creative ProgramA four-day cultural and creative program set to activate the New Lambton precinct during New Annual festival. With a focus on the voices of women and gender diverse artists, the program will celebrate stories and inspire social change through art and creative dialogue.
Wallsend SBR projects
- Wallsend Op Shop TrailIn collaboration with Wallsend Town Business Association, Samaritans, and the other four op shops on Nelson Street, the Wallsend Op Shop Trail is designed to encourage visitors to visit Wallsend on weekends.
- Streets Alive Wallsend!A series of two-hour pop-up events will be held in the Wallsend business precinct, providing entertainment and activities that encourage the community and visitors to inhabit public spaces with play, wonder and connection.
- Up&Up Inspirations ArtScape Community FestivalUP&UP Inspirations will transform Wallsend Skate Park into a hub of creativity, catering to youth and families, featuring street art workshops, DJs, live music performances, and live street art painting exhibitions.
