Create NSW
Western Sydney is a cultural powerhouse, but its thriving arts scene faces critical infrastructure gaps that could limit its potential.
SGS Economics and Planning partnered with Create NSW to map the region’s arts and cultural landscape, providing insights to inform future government strategies, policies and investments. Our analysis presented a profile of Western Sydney’s creative sector, highlighting its needs, gaps, and opportunities to support growth and engagement with the region’s diverse communities.
We mapped 13 local government areas from Blacktown to Parramatta, analysing the existing arts infrastructure and where future investment is needed. Through consultation with artists, organisations, and local government, we discovered that while Western Sydney has a dynamic creative community, many artists lack access to purpose-built spaces and rely instead on non-specialised venues. This limits the potential for creative expression and professional development.
With a growing population and a vibrant cultural landscape, Western Sydney is primed for artistic expansion. But without strategic investments in infrastructure and transport, the region risks falling short of its potential. Our findings show the need for dedicated art spaces, improved connectivity and increased support for events and festivals to help the region’s artists and audiences thrive.
The project calls for action to unlock the creative power of Western Sydney through targeted support and smart planning.
Map on the left: Access to arts and culture infrastructure across Western Sydney
Map on the right: Arts and culture infrastructure across Western Sydney
