How City of Sydney business grants could change the Oxford Arts Factory... and maybe the entire Oxford Street precinct

The first round of City of Sydney business grants saw 18 venues and businesses share in over $360,000 of dollar-for-dollar matched funding to upgrade their establishments and encourage night-time trading.

The second round closes on March 12. The City matches grants of up to $30,000 to increase the amount and quality of shows, or for programs that offer diversification of the City’s nighttime economy.

Explains Lex Davidson, Strategy Officer - Culture in the City’s Research Strategy & Corporate Planning, “We know that the nighttime economy has taken a bit of a hit in recent years, and  in our capacity as a City, this is our way of investing in the survival of this sector.

“These venues are important in the diversity of the nightlife, and of the cultural experiences offered to those living in Sydney or those visiting Sydney.”

Does the City think live music venues are in crisis, or just needing help?

“It’s important to drop the crisis tag and the negative aspects,” Davidson points out.

“Yes we know the lockout laws have had a damaging impact on a number of businesses

“But we also still have a thriving music culture. There are a number of businesses out there working very hard to  provide Sydneysiders with amazing experiences at night  

The Oxford Art Factory is a two-room venue inspired by pop artist Andy Warhol’s Factory in New York in its mix of music, visual art and performance art.

The concept draws 5000 punters through its doors each week.

Its owner and operator Mark Gerber tells TMN that the grant allows improvements in the sound system in the main room and addition of wedges / sound monitors to make it easier for artists.

“It would have cost in the region of $16,000,” Gerber explains. “Without the City of Sydney, we wouldn’t have been able to do the upgrades.

“Running a venue is very expensive with many overheads, and we’re a sole trader.

“We have to keep the SOF moving with the times.  Most people wouldn’t notice the changes but it makes a huge difference for the artists, and to their perceptions of us.”

As part of the grant, the Oxford Art Factory is also putting together a program to revitalise interest in the nighttime economy.

Initially to be held six times a year, these will be EDM-based, with local and international DJs to entice punters to come to the Oxford Art Factory after midnight. In time they’ll become monthly.

Gerber is using outside promoters and their databases to ensure the crowds come.

The idea is also provide jobs for talents like DJs who lost their jobs after the lockouts in 2014.

Gerber is a man who always sees the big picture, not just of his club but also a domino effect on the Oxford Street precinct and its community as a whole.

He recalls that just before the lockouts, Oxford Street was undergoing a bohemian renaissance similar to Berlin and London.

The lockout, he says, decimated Sydney’s nightclub scene and saw walk-up weekend foot traffic to music venues on Oxford Street drop by up to 84%.

“Some weekends, especially on Fridays, Oxford Street is a ghost town.”

It is important, he emphasises, to counteract the demonization of the nighttime entertainment by shining a light on what really happens.

“To many people it means just one thing, and  that’s darkness, bad things happening and criminality.

“But so much of that is a myth, used by the media to drum up hysteria.

“A healthy nighttime economy also means a healthy daytime economy, and vice versa.

“I applaud the City of Sydney and the Lord Mayor and the Council, for recognising that a healthy Arts adds to the health and vibrancy of the whole society.”

Round Two of the City of Sydney business grants looks at proposals for ideas that increase precinct offerings, draw people to the area,  increase business and networking, and increase the quality and quantity of live music programming.

It could mean, for instance, a bookstore staying open late to host poetry readings or acoustic jazz sessions to build up business to justify the expense of trading longer hours.

Says City of Sydney’s Lex Davidson, “It’s any business staying up late offering creative activities that drive night time economy and brings the culture of your community to life.

“It could be a knitting circle, comedy nights, or a small play in the corner of a barber shop.”

The City has been busy talking to business owners and holding Q&A sessions where traders can pitch ideas.

What’s the best way to apply for a grant?

Davidson: “Talk to us. We’re here to help. People do get overwhelmed. But if you’re inspired by a nidea and have the energy to carry it through, we’ll go half on the cost and work with you.”

Gerber: “Do your homework, have a credible plan.

Come from the heart, of wanting to engage in this program.

“It’s important that we don’t take advantage of this and we do work within the City’s brief and recognise the wishes of the City.

“If you’re a venue. reach out to other venues,  speak to as many people as you can for advice, don’t give up and keep going with it.

“Don’t be afraid. The City of Sydney has made it clear it’s determined to make this work, so I’m sure they’ll be too gad to help.”

More background available here.