Machine Hall launches M.PWR Series to encourage emerging artists & initiatives

When a new venue opens up on Gadigal Land/Sydney, it gets noticed. The city has long suffered a drought of new spaces, whether due to licensing restrictions, the dreaded lockout laws, or the prolonged and still present impact of COVID.

While there are a number of exceptions to that rule, none are quite like Machine Hall. Previously a substation and now reanimated for contemporary events and experiences, the hyper-modern space situated on Clarence Street in Sydney’s CBD feels almost entirely at odds with what the city’s CBD has become.

First being posted about a little over a year ago, the venue has had a steady but calculated building of its reputation, thus far partnering with the likes of Giegling, SXSW, Sydney Fringe Festival, Silky Ball, VIVID and many others.

Now though, Machine Hall is partnering with City of Sydney council to open its doors to grassroots creatives, initiatives and organisations with its M.PWR Series.

“Whether you’re a musician, a band, a performer, an art collective, an aerial acrobat, a chef, a dance group, an event producer, a fashionista, or have a passion project you’d like to showcase,” the team at Machine Hall would like to hear from you.

Of the program, Trish Rogers, Machine Hall’s General Manager shared:

"In conjunction with the City of Sydney, the M.PWR series is an initiative by Machine Hall which gives emerging artists and dynamic innovators the opportunity to showcase their creative brilliance at scale.

We are committed to creating a culturally vibrant community that brings the unexpected to life. Imagination knows no bounds within Machine Hall, and we’re excited to see how local visionaries bring their ideas to life in our unique space as part of the M.PWR series."

At a time where the cost of running an event, a launch, a club night, a festival and so much more has never been higher, Machine Hall’s initiative does what many spaces don’t, reaches a hand passed economic limitations and into spaces where culture is really made.

Applications for M.PWR Series are open now, and close next Monday, March 10.

Visit Machine Hall’s website for more details on how to apply.

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Jack Colquhoun is Mixmag ANZ’s Managing Editor, find him on Instagram.