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NSW Arts Minister amps up outdoor events while arts venues suffer

Removal of red tape frees up gig economy and community events, but the focus is more on hospitality and night-time economy than a cross sector solution.

29 Sep 2025 10:04

Gina Fairley

A man and a woman performing in a venue. NSW Arts Minister John Graham has announced red-tape changes to free up the night-time economy.

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NSW Arts Minister John Graham has announced red-tape changes to free up the night-time economy. Pictured are live musicians at Mr Watkins, Penrith. (Uptown District: The Valley Entertainment Precinct). Photo: Supplied.

Over the weekend (27 September), NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham celebrated the announcement that a ‘red tape overhaul frees up venues and outdoor events’. It has been long in coming, and for most of sector it is welcomed.

The announcement continued: ‘The next round of Minns Labor Government vibrancy reforms is amping up culture, making it easier for councils, businesses and communities to stage events, host live performances and activate outdoor spaces.’

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Gina Fairley

Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's National Visual Arts Editor. For a decade she worked as a freelance writer and curator across Southeast Asia and was previously the Regional Contributing Editor for Hong Kong based magazines Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. Prior to writing she worked as an arts manager in America and Australia for 14 years, including the regional gallery, biennale and commercial sectors. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Twitter: @ginafairley Instagram: fairleygina