If ever you needed an example that western Sydney is still considered the end of the Earth for some inner city elitists, you only have to look as far as the debate over the Powerhouse Museum’s planned move from Ultimo to Parramatta.
Working under the banner of the Powerhouse Museum Alliance, thousands of people have signed a petition to keep the Powerhouse in the Sydney CBD and stop the planned move to the west.
Among those who have signed the petition and have been vocal about the issue are Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett and her husband Andrew Upton, former NSW Premier Bob Carr and Hungry Jacks Chairman Jack Cowin.
Let’s not sugar coat this – much of this debate is about people from the city thinking that their world is coming to an end because they have to travel half an hour west of Sydney to visit the Powerhouse Museum.
Heaven forbid they might actually have to enter the real world for five minutes.
There is no question that there is an element of elitism at play and a class divide that really should have been broken down long ago.
I dare say people from western Sydney are much more aware of the world around them because they do travel to all parts of this city and country, unlike many who grew up and still live in the cocoon of the inner city.
But I must also say that those behind the petition to keep the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney do have a point.
And whether their point is being made for their own self interests or not, it’s important to question whether moving an historic, culturally important museum away from the centre of Sydney is a smart idea.
The question is not really about whether or not the Powerhouse should move, but whether western Sydney deserves its own unique museum rather than a re-located Powerhouse.
There is no question that sweeping change is needed when it comes to the arts in western Sydney.
The State Opposition said this week that just four of the 56 appointments to the five major arts boards in NSW actually live in western Sydney.
While 47 per cent of Sydney’s population lives in western Sydney a report by consultants Deloitte found the area receives a mere 5.5 per cent of NSW Government arts funding.
That needs to change significantly and it seems that re-location of the Powerhouse is merely a band-aid solution.
And we also need to stop thinking that plonking something in Parramatta services the needs of western Sydney.
Cities like Penrith, Camden and Liverpool continue to grow significantly and must have additional funds and support from the Government to grow the arts.
But it’s important that Sydney itself also remains a destination for families to enjoy with a range of cultural institutions and activities to enjoy.
My personal view is that the city of Sydney has looked tired and almost run down for years, but hopefully there will be some evolution with the new works on George Street, the arrival of Barangaroo and other planned changes in the coming years.
I personally don’t see how taking the Powerhouse Museum out of Sydney benefits the city in any way.
There is no reason we can’t have the best of both worlds – the traditional and historic Powerhouse in its current location and a new satellite museum that allows for tours of exhibitions as well as unique displays that suit the cultural significance of western Sydney.
And a long term plan should involve satellite museums in other cities, such as Penrith, as well.
When it comes to the city and the west, there is no need for a great divide. There is no need for one or the other. Both can be enjoyed, and serviced by a range of activities from sport to the arts and more.
So while I do believe many of the signatures on the current petition to ‘save the Powerhouse’ aren’t there for the right reasons, the overall point is fair enough.
Perhaps this whole thing needs a fresh look and review.
Originally published in The Western Weekender