This week commemorative plaques mourning venues affected by Sydney’s lockouts laws have sprung up around the city. Advocacy group Keep Sydney Open erected the memorials at venues that have either closed down or changed hands since the laws were introduced in February 2014. “Our city is sorely lacking in spaces that can take a chance on burgeoning artists and promoters,” the group said, “and without these incubators the cultural life of our city cannot breathe and grow.”
Each plaque bears the name of a musician that cut their teeth and launched their career from a now-defunct (or relocated) venue, stressing the cultural importance of clubs and bars. Flume, The Presets, Sneaky Sound System, RUFUS, Alison Wonderland and Nina Las Vegas have all earned plaques — and many have chimed in to express their support for the campaign on social media. “We need venues to host the next generation of electronic musicians. We need to #keepsydneyopen” wrote Nina Las Vegas. Alison Wonderland penned a similar note, writing, “When I started, my Friday night residency at Q Bar helped to shape me as an artist, learn my craft, discover so much music, be part of a community & LIVE.”
The laws force inner city venues to close at 1:30AM — people already inside the venues are able to stay, but they can’t leave and return. Last drinks are served at 3AM. Keep Sydney Open will stage a protest against the laws in the coming weeks, on October 8th.
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Images via @keepsydneyopen