Inner West and SXSW Sydney Collaborate for Fest X

Exciting New Collaboration: Inner West Council and SXSW Sydney Team Up for ‘Fest by Inner West’

The Inner West Council is thrilled to unveil an exciting partnership with SXSW Sydney, in collaboration with Century Venues, to launch the inaugural ‘Fest by Inner West’ on Sunday, October 20, 2024. This groundbreaking festival represents an incredible opportunity to spotlight the rich and vibrant arts and music scene that flourishes in the Inner West of Sydney, placing it on an international stage that celebrates creativity and culture.

A Showcase of Arts and Music

The festival promises a dynamic and engaging experience, presenting an eclectic blend of both local and international artists. Scheduled to be held at multiple iconic venues—including the Enmore Theatre, Duke Hotel, Enmore Hotel, Trocadero Room, Vic on the Park, and the Factory Theatre—the event will feature free, multi-stage performances. It’s a fantastic chance to immerse oneself in the creativity that defines the Inner West.

One of the unique highlights of ‘Fest by Inner West’ is the commitment to supporting local talent, with 50% of the performances dedicated to artists from the Inner West. This commitment showcases the Council’s investments in its vibrant community while inviting selected international and domestic artists from the SXSW Sydney line-up.

Economic Boost and Community Support

With a financial commitment of $200,000 from the Council, ‘Fest by Inner West’ aims to drive economic development and increase visitation to the area. Local businesses stand to benefit significantly from the increased foot traffic and engagement brought on by the festival. By promoting the Inner West as the premier destination for live music, arts, and entertainment in New South Wales, the Inner West Council reinforces its role in supporting vibrant local culture and tourism initiatives.

Celebrating the Inner West’s Unique Identity

The Inner West has already garnered attention as an arts haven, especially following the success of the Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct—the first of its kind in the state. This unique district has established the Inner West as Sydney’s capital of live music, and the ‘Fest by Inner West’ satellite event further solidifies this identity. In 2022, Time Out Magazine even voted Enmore Road as Sydney’s "coolest street," a testament to the area’s lively atmosphere and cultural significance.

Councillor Chloe Smith articulated this pride, stating, "The Inner West is the undisputed capital of live music, culture, and arts in NSW, and now we’re showing the world what we have to offer." Smith emphasizes the festival as a chance to place Inner West artists alongside prominent global acts and to celebrate the region’s role in the broader cultural landscape.

A Taste of SXSW Sydney

The festival is an exciting component of SXSW, the largest festival of its kind globally, which originally began in Austin, Texas. In 2023, SXSW expanded to Sydney for the first time, attracting over 297,000 attendees and hosting more than 1,000 events over eight thrilling days. The 2024 iteration promises an expansive line-up and a unique opportunity for the Inner West to flaunt its cultural offerings.

Colin Daniels, Managing Director of SXSW Sydney, shared, "We are excited to bring a taste of our huge music program to the Inner West for all Sydneysiders to enjoy, as well as supporting the local venues and artists that contribute so much to the culture." His remarks encapsulate the spirit of collaboration that aims to elevate both local and international artists.

Event Details

Mark your calendars for this remarkable event happening on:

• When: Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 12 noon to 7 PM
• Where: Various venues including Enmore Theatre, Duke Hotel, Enmore Hotel, Trocadero Room, Vic on the Park, and the Factory Theatre
• Featured Artists: Among the exciting line-up are notable acts such as Middle Kids, The Buoys, Enny (UK), O. (UK), Steam Down (UK), Sycco (Melb), Chxrry22 (US), and many more.

Looking Forward

As preparations for this landmark event proceed, the Inner West Council is committed to creating a vibrant, engaging experience that resonates with both local residents and visitors from afar. The opportunity for cultural exchange, community engagement, and artistic celebration presented by ‘Fest by Inner West’ is poised to leave a lasting impact on the Inner West and enrich Sydney’s cultural landscape.