T
he Cutaway will reopen to the public with a weekend of free performances, workshops and cultural events as the NSW Government looks to strengthen Sydney’s arts and nightlife scene.
The newly transformed underground venue at Barangaroo will host two days of music, art and community activities across 30 and 31 May, marking its first major public opening since redevelopment works were completed.
Visitors attending the reopening weekend will have access to live music, large-scale projections, interactive workshops and family activities, alongside the return of the Barangaroo Markets throughout the precinct.
The Saturday program will focus on music and visual art, featuring performances from Sydney-based artists including Kee’ahn, Ngaiire, Alice Ivy, Sophie Penkethman-Young, Shal, DJ Toaka and DJ Charlie Villas.
Sunday’s events will shift towards hands-on workshops and community activities, with weaving, jewellery-making and flower crown sessions planned for visitors of all ages.
The reopening also includes Aboriginal Cultural Tours around Barangaroo Reserve and Yoga on Country sessions as part of the Damulay Ngurang program, which will coincide with National Reconciliation Week events.
Organisers say the weekend is intended to introduce Sydneysiders to the venue’s future role as a major cultural and events destination capable of hosting festivals, exhibitions and large public gatherings.
The Cutaway is expected to host upcoming events including the National Indigenous Art Fair, Sydney Festival and Vivid Sydney.
The reopening forms part of the Minns Government’s wider push to support Sydney’s live entertainment sector through increased investment in events, public spaces and cultural programming. The government has also moved in recent years to ease restrictions affecting live music venues and large concerts.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the reopening would give people a chance to experience the revamped venue while taking part in free activities across the harbour precinct.
“Sydney’s newest arts, cultural and events space, The Cutaway, is throwing open its doors to welcome everyone for a weekend of free festivities,” he said.
He said the event was designed to showcase the transformation of the venue while encouraging more public use of Sydney’s waterfront spaces.
“As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to bringing more free entertainment and cultural experiences to our harbour precincts, Barangaroo Live on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May will showcase the incredible transformation of The Cutaway into a world-class arts and cultural venue,” he said.
“There are many free activities to take part in while enjoying one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside locations. It’s a great opportunity to check out Barangaroo and have some fun without breaking the budget.”
The broader effort to revitalise Sydney’s nightlife and cultural economy has drawn support from parts of the arts and hospitality sectors, particularly following years of concern about declining night-time activity in the city. At the same time, some industry groups continue to call for longer-term funding certainty and affordable venue access for independent artists and smaller cultural organisations.
The Barangaroo reopening weekend is free to attend, with events spread across The Cutaway, Barangaroo South and surrounding public spaces.
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