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Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Sydney’s newest cultural precinct on the Harbour foreshore, has today announced its first Open Day with a free public program of events including a series of one-off experiences, workshops and performances hosted by its resident performing arts companies across the entire precinct encompassing the historically significant Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5.

Presented on Saturday 8th October 2022 from 10am to 4pm, the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Open Day one-day program is set to highlight the dynamic cultural offerings and world-class facilities of its resident companies including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Bell Shakespeare, Gondwana Choirs, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

Presented exclusively for the Open Day will be a panel discussion featuring the Artistic Directors of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct resident companies.

Sydney Theatre Company will run a series of directing, acting and school holiday workshops, and talks alongside behind-the-scenes access to the company’s sets, props and costume makers.

Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance company, will welcome visitors into their foyer space for artistic and educational children’s activities that are inspired by their first dedicated performance for children, Waru - journey of the small turtle.

Sydney Dance Company will offer an opportunity to experience free taster Dance Classes with some of the dance industry’s best dance teachers, along with free Pilates postural assessments, tours of their Pilates & Conditioning Studio and a free workshop to learn about their advanced training programs. Open Day visitors will also have the opportunity to view an excerpt of Rafael Bonachela's latest work Summer performed by Sydney Dance Company dancers, before it premieres in October as part of the Resound season.

Bell Shakespeare will host a behind-the-scenes tour inviting people into the rehearsals of the upcoming world premiere musical The Lovers, as well as Shakespeare workshops for young people.

Australian Theatre for Young People will host a precinct wide treasure hunt as well as drama workshops for children (pictured above).

Gondwana Choirs will host a 30-minute interactive workshop for children to experience what it’s like to be part of the Sydney Children’s Choir (pictured below)

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs invites adult singers of all abilities to a free 90-minute Sing With Us workshop featuring music by Bach and Mozart, led by the Choir’s Artistic Directors.

The Precinct will also be activated by a program of local food and beverage offerings.

Walsh Bay Arts Precinct was unveiled earlier this year following the completion of major redevelopment works on Pier 2/3 and Wharf 4/5 undertaken by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects. The Precinct was recently awarded the NSW Architecture Medallion at the 2022 NSW Architecture Awards.

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Open Day is supported by a Precinct Activation Grant from the City of Sydney. The full program will be announced later this month.

Redevelopment of Darling Harbour's Harbourside Shopping Centre 
The NSW Government has also announced today that it has entered into an agreement with builders Mirvac to redevelop the Harbourside Shopping Centre at Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

Announcing the $2 billion redevelopment that aims to create a "world-class retail, residential, commercial workplace and entertainment precinct", NSW Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Alister Henskens declared "this project will create an iconic new precinct in the heart of Sydney that will boost our economy, create jobs and strengthen our visitor economy.

The unique design for the new precinct, a collaboration between Snøhetta and Hassell Studio, was chosen from six entrants in an international design competition with a jury comprising representatives from the NSW Government Architect, Placemaking NSW, the City of Sydney and Mirvac.

Images (from top): Bangarra Dance Theatre (credit: Good Thanks Media), Lateral Events, Bangarra Waru journey of the small turtle (credit: Daniel Boud) Sydney Dance Company, Australian Theatre for Young People Workshops (credit: Clare Hawley), Sydney Children's Choir and a 2021 concept for the redevelopment of the Harbourside Shopping Centre at Darling Harbour (credit: FJMT).

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