NTIA and Independent Bars Association are encouraging venues to turn off the music ahead of the NSW state election.
Tonight, we will get a taste of nightlife without music as venues across the state turn off the music for five minutes. Iconic venues such as The Abercrombie, The Marly, Stitch Bar and Earl’s Juke Joint will be joining. The initiative was started by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and the Independent Bars Association, and will take place Friday 24 March at 9:30pm.
“Without the night time sector, the vibrancy and excitement in NSW will totally disappear. There’s been great progress to improve Sydney’s nightlife but we can’t throw our hands in the air and say, ‘job done’,” said NTIA CEO Mick Gibb.
The action is in support of the Vote Music campaign, which calls for all political parties to support live music in the coming state election. The demands include the establishment of a Contemporary Music Office in the NSW government, significant government investment into music in NSW, and protecting and building music infrastructure.
“This initiative isn’t about telling people who to vote for. It’s about making a clear statement that the night matters and that live music matters by supporting the Vote Music campaign,” Gibb explained.
According to Gibb, the benefits of a vibrant nightlife extends beyond sunrise.
“If we don’t have a world class nightlife offering we won’t be a world class city where skilled workers want to come and live,” argued Gibb. “Pretty harbours and beautiful beaches only get you so far, you need a cultural offering and live music to match.”
President of the Independent Bars Association Karl Schlothauer supported the action, saying, “Independent Bars have always been big supporters of emerging independent artists and the live music scene. The IBA will encourage its members to take five minutes to show the people of NSW how dull life would be without music.”
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