Newcastle’s Creative Vision Boosted by $850,000 in SBR Funding

Newcastle’s creative community is set to benefit from $850,000 in City of Newcastle funding, which has already supported homegrown successes like Shakespeare under the Stars, Sculptures at Scratchley, and the Big Picture Fest.

The latest round of Special Business Rates (SBR) funding opens for applications on Monday, offering a unique opportunity to support innovative ideas aimed at revitalising Darby Street and the City Centre.

Previous recipients of SBR funding have delivered memorable events, such as the seaside Sculptures at Scratchley, the popular street art festival Big Picture Fest, and the highly acclaimed Shakespeare under the Stars—an event brought to life by Janie Gibson, a creative force also behind Voices of Joan, now headlining the Sydney Fringe Festival.

In a bid to maximise the benefits for local businesses, the SBR program will now encourage successful applicants to source at least 75 per cent of their supplies and services from businesses within the precinct.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes highlighted the positive impact of SBR funding on the city’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.

“This investment enriches local business precincts, and City of Newcastle takes pride in supporting events and initiatives that promote our city and boost our economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“SBR has played a pivotal role in supporting Newcastle’s vibrant grassroots arts and cultural scene, with new events and activations drawing thousands of people to the city.”

Janie Gibson, Creative Director of Whale Chorus Theatre Company and award-winning creator of Voices of Joan, is a testament to the potential of SBR funding. Her Shakespeare under the Stars event, held in Pacific Park last December, was a tremendous success, attracting nearly 2,000 attendees.

“The SBR program is an incredible initiative that invites creative activations to enrich our city. It is so exciting to see our city’s places come alive with theatre and bring our community together. I would encourage anyone with a great idea to apply,” Ms Gibson said.

Kendall Brooks, Chair of the Newcastle City Centre Business Improvement Association, welcomed the provision for grant recipients to source locally, noting the broader benefits for the community.

“The Special Business Rates grants program provides a range of opportunities and supports events, activations, beautification, and other innovative projects within the precinct,” Ms Brooks said.

“These initiatives directly benefit local businesses by increasing visitation and enhancing the precinct, making it an even more lively and attractive destination for dining, shopping, and leisure.”

Earlier this year, City of Newcastle allocated $90,000 in SBR funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton. Successful projects included Curious Legends’ Halloween event and Purple Card Project’s Wallsend Op Shop Trail in Wallsend, as well as the Newcastle Fringe Festival 2025 in Hamilton.

Expressions of interest for Darby Street and City Centre SBR funding open on September 2 and close at 4 pm on October 7, 2024.

City of Newcastle will host online public information sessions on the process at 11 am on September 10 and 5 pm on September 12, 2024.

For more information, including registration for the sessions, visit the Special Business Rates Program page on the City of Newcastle website.