Sydney WorldPride 2023 is one of the biggest events to come to our city since the 2000 Olympics and we’ve made supporting it a priority.
More funding has been approved as well as a new strategy aiming to revamp the strip while recognising, preserving and promoting the significant connection LGBTIQA+ communities have to Oxford Street.
Extra cash to support Sydney WorldPride
The City of Sydney has increased its commitment for this global event to $1.7 million after Council approved an additional $300,000 of support at its October meeting.
The City of Sydney has already supported WorldPride 2023 with a $800,000 (plus GST) sponsorship and $650,000 value in kind.
In addition, a bespoke artwork will cover construction hoardings along Oxford Street to bring creativity and colour to the area and reflect the diversity of LGBTIQA+ communities.
Ahead of the festival, City of Sydney support also includes:
- activating Pride Villages in and around Oxford Street
- beautifying Oxford Street with living colour floral art displays
- lighting of the Taylor Square fountain with a Pride theme
- activating shops with exhibitions and colourful displays consistent with WorldPride artwork
- refreshing the rainbow crossing
- flying Pride themed and Mardi Gras banners across the City of Sydney local area
- putting up signs and wayfinding to support events
- increasing street cleansing services during the 17-day festival.
Bringing Pride back to Oxford Street
The City of Sydney will use the 17-day festival as a launchpad to begin work on building a future for the Golden Mile that is as rich as its history.
Council endorsed the Oxford Street LGBTIQA+ social and cultural place strategy at its October meeting. The strategy aims to strengthen the identity of Oxford Street by promoting inclusive businesses and funding new public artworks that reflect the community’s diversity, including exploring opportunities for a First Nations queer cultural space.
In March, Council unanimously approved a $283,500 cash grant for Qtopia to establish an LGBTIQA+ museum which will temporarily use the City of Sydney owned bandstand in Green Park, Darlinghurst.
The City of Sydney is proud to support Sydney’s first queer museum as work continues to find a permanent home.
The City of Sydney is committed to making next year’s Sydney WorldPride event a success that will leave a legacy well beyond the 17-day festival.
Published 1 November 2022, updated 2 November 2022
