Pop-Up art reinvigorates Sydney's The Rocks

Sometimes it seems tourists who come to Sydney experience a different city to us locals.

While we savor every mouthful at Gelato Messina, they lick sticky soft serves around Darling Harbour. We line up for Zushi, but they shoo away seagulls at the fish markets.

We can be so far apart it feels like they don't visit our home.

However, all that has changed with an Arts NSW movement called Pop-Up Project, which has brought the tourist hub of The Rocks and arty locals together.

The idea by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority was to transform unused spaces within the precinct's heritage buildings into studios and pop-up shops for artists and designers.

The anticipated short stay has now been extended and the project is set to continue until at least the end of the year.

Fun vibe at The Rocks

For those involved with Pop-Up, it means continued exposure. The Rocks' residents enjoy the fun vibe Australia's oldest district deserves. And for the rest of us, it's a reason to meander around this forgotten corner of our city.

Artists, sculptors, fashion designers, jewelry makers, writers, foodies and a tailor have spent the past six months turning their spaces into an engaging platform to showcase their talents.

For some, like designer Wendy Murray, involvement in the project has meant taking their business to a new level.

Tailor Mark Marrone, who’s become a bit of a local celebrity over the past six months, says it’s the community vibe that’s given him the most pleasure.

“It’s created a spirit around here, and a sense of experience. It’s not just about the buying and selling, but about the engagement," Mark says.

Artistic studios are smothering the environment: Perran Costi, Christine Porter, Andrew Newman and Jason Sims from Gaffa as well as Red Room Company.

The resoundingly positive effect has been the art appreciation of residents and tourists who usually wouldn't have had the opportunity, or even the desire, to check out artworks.

The Pop-Up Project spaces are open for visits from Wednesday to Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. You can also request a free guided tour by appointment requested at rockspup@shfa.nsw.gov.au.

Photos by Alex Reznick.