The NSW Government is delivering an authentic new Sydney Fish Market (SFM) which will return inaccessible parts of the harbour foreshore to the community. Infrastructure NSW (INSW) is redeveloping the new SFM on behalf of the NSW Government.

The site is located on Bridge Road at the head of Blackwattle Bay adjacent to the existing fish market approximately 3km from the Sydney CBD and 2km from Central Station.

The new SFM Art Program will encompass a diverse range of works that will be integrated throughout the whole of the public domain. The program will consider the deep histories of the site and its current function as a bustling marketplace, as well as the many audiences who visit the fish market yearly.

Cultural Capital is curating a program of contemporary live and ephemeral performance works to activate this harbour-side location, creating a new “Opera House steps” destination for art and culture in Sydney. The curated performance program will include a diverse range of established or emerging creative practitioners and thinkers. The program may include events such as: performance art, dance, sound and spoken word, talks, and workshops. Performers may use a designated space and events will be unticketed, small in scale, spontaneous in nature and will require minimal to no sets, props or A/V.

The performance program will activate new SFM year-round at the Eastern amphitheatre steps located in the public entrance of the market. It will enable responsiveness to seasonality, the cultural calendar and city-wide festivals and events. The performance program enables artistic experimentation and opportunities to include a diverse range of practitioners including emerging artists and grass-roots community initiatives.

The performance program will be curated and managed by a Public Art Consultant for three years. The works will be rotated monthly.

Cultural Capital is calling for artists to submit applications to be considered for the live works program. They may apply for up to $10,000 for their individual project, which includes all production, performance and artists fees. Artists with smaller budgets are encouraged to apply.

Artists can register their interest by sending the below details to
submissions@culturalcapital.city with the subject heading ‘new Sydney Fish Market: Live Works Program’.

Please include in a single pdf document in A4 size with (up to 8 pages);

1. Short summary of your performance work/event/idea (300 words max)
2. A budget outlining costs (must include: artist fee, production & any materials)
3. CV with your contact details
4. Artist bio (100 words max)
5. Website link (if applicable)
6. Vimeo or website links of previous performances (if applicable)
7. Up to 5 images of previous work (please insert these into the document with title, medium, year and location)

*Please title the document with your name and state of residence (NSW, VIC, etc)
*Please register your interest by Monday, November 21st 

The program will begin in Q4 2024.