The Sydney Indie Theatre venue The Tap Gallery has been forced to close after a patron complained about fire safety. The theatre is currently only available as a rehearsal space, until further notice. The venue managers are submitting a development application with expectations the theatre space will reopen eventually.
More than 500 people, among them former Arts Minister Tony Burke, have signed a petition to ask Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to reopen the venue. Here are some of their reasons:
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Marianne Lee
We need theatrical spaces which are not controlled by the big companies and are affordable. Otherwise 90% or more of new work will never see the light of day in this country. I believe Melbourne has something of 30 -35 small independent venues for new and innovative work. It’s a bloody crime that the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia is way, way behind. This could be sorted very easily. Please sort it.
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Nick Dale
This is a cultural institution with a long history of support for Sydney independent artists. TAP has provided up and coming artists of all kinds a support network, venue and platform to create, build relationships and tell stories that enrich our culture. It is so important that we continue to nurture the independent arts. It is essential that we encourage and support those that allow these artists to have a voice. These people have worked tirelessly and graciously for so many years in service to our audience and artists and deserve to have the space to continue doing so.
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Tony Burke MP
I was introduced to independent theatre at the TAP. It guarantees new performances can find an audience and helps foster creativity and new content. This venue matters.
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Madison Bettle
The performing arts is incredibly important to getting the next generation on board with arts in general. Not everyone can afford more expensive venues, so this allows youth to get involved with very little expense to them. Long live the TAP Gallery!
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Taranga Anurag
I love the Tap Gallery, amazing space for alternative artists and theatre. Please help save this landmark. Its precious to a lot of people and its become a community.
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Suzi Edmonds
It’s a great space for ensemble performance and it would be a shame to see it disappear.
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Petros Manolopoulos R
I love independent theatre and the tap gallery is one of those unique gems which reminds me of Europe but is lacking in Australia. Please assist in keeping it open.
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Jenny Solomon
My husband and I love independent theatre, seeing about one hundred plays per week. The Tap is a unique space, affordable for emerging artists and has provided us with some of the most memorable performances we have seen, year in year out.
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Anna Colless
I’m an operator of youth-ased independent theatre in Sydney and we’re already struggling for affordable venues in the city!
