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With the venue team at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) recognising the power of live entertainment events in educating, shaping and inspiring young people, they have launched IGNITE! - a community ticket donation program that provides access for local children and youth to attend performing arts, music and creative experiences through its network of community partners.                  

Embedded within ICC Sydney’s corporate social responsibility strategy and longstanding commitment to foster inclusion and belonging through its Legacy Program that can be activated by event organisers, the IGNITE! program is another step towards social equity for Australia’s premier entertainment venue.

ICC Sydney Chief Executive and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy notes “research undertaken by Western Sydney University highlighted that music - that can be experienced at concerts - benefits mental health while encouraging social inclusion, particularly for children, adolescents and older adults who may be at risk of isolation, depression and anxiety.

“From increasing participation in our community through the arts, to building resilience, hope and improving mood and wellbeing in young people – ICC Sydney’s IGNITE! program helps to create these magical moments for children and young people from Sydney and New South Wales.

“The IGNITE! program extends the support that ICC Sydney already provides to charities and community organisations through its Corporate Social Responsibility Plan, and industry leading Legacy Program that is designed to enrich attendee experiences while creating a positive social impact in the local community.”

Pledging hundreds of tickets to events each year, ICC Sydney will continue to match event access for young people through community partners such as KARI, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Variety Children’s Charity, Youth Off the Streets and Pyrmont Cares to help remove barriers for families and young people to experience the arts.

Chief Commercial Officer at KARI, Cain Slater lauded ICC Sydney's IGNITE! program, remarking on its profound impact on the community.  

Slater shared "It is wonderful to ensure the arts are available to everyone. ICC Sydney’s dedication to social justice and reconciliation truly resonates within our community through the IGNITE! program. Witnessing music and live performances has been shown to significantly enhance the mental health of young people.

“In just the past three months, KARI's youth and their families have enjoyed an array of inspiring events—from The Wiggles to Riverdance. We are immensely grateful to our partner, ICC Sydney, for their unwavering commitment to prioritising access, inclusion, and wellbeing.”

ICC Sydney IGNITE! program ambassador, seasoned Australian Indigenous theatre, film and television performer, Luke Carroll added “as a performer working in the live entertainment space, I’m proud to be a spokesperson for ICC Sydney’s awesome new IGNITE! program.

“This program will help young children and people right across Sydney to experience the exciting world of live entertainment and performance – sparking their creativity and contributing to their overall happiness and wellbeing.”

To find out more about ICC Sydney, visit www.iccsydney.com.au/

Images from top: Legacy Program partner KARI's performers in Darling Harbour Theatre in 2024. Credit: Tim Pascoe; The Wiggles performing at ICC Sydney in 2023. Credit: Aaron Leslie; Culture Club performing at ICC Sydney in 2023. Credit: Aaron Leslie

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