SURRY HILLS @ PLAY FESTIVAL, NSW

Project Type: Place Activation Design and Delivery

Year: 2023

Client: City of Sydney

Reactivate, in collaboration with delivery partners and funded by the City of Sydney, successfully organized the Surry Hills @Play Festival in April 2023. Reactivate organised a month-long activation program aimed to boost trade confidence, foot traffic, and reconnect the community through playfulness. They did so by bringing together local businesses, artists, and community services, the festival showcased innovative/inclusive programs and interactive experiences. It fostered collaborations, showcased local talent, and promoted economic and cultural recovery.

By incorporating fun and playfulness, the festival aimed to attract local, city-wide, and intrastate visitors, with the goal of increasing repeat visits to the area. The festival featured inclusive programs across music, arts, performance, and interactive experiences for all ages. It was made possible through a grant from the City of Sydney's Precinct Activation Grant program, which encouraged collaborations between businesses, creative producers, cultural operators, and community groups. The festival included various events throughout the month, culminating in Play Day, and successfully fostered collaborations between artists and businesses while drawing a significant number of attendees. The festival’s success highlights Reactivate Consulting’s expertise in strategic thinking and activation.