UPDATE: The Newsagency has now announced that it will soon reopen in a new location.
ORIGINAL STORY: One of Sydney’s smallest (and most beloved) music and arts venues, The Newsagency in Marrickville, has announced its closure after hosting its final show last week.
In a statement, The Newsagency’s Alison Avron says issues with her landlord are why the venue has come to an end.
“My lease is up in July and my landlord doesn’t want me to renovate so I gotta go elsewhere,” she says.
“Five-and-a-half years is a pretty incredible stint for essentially a one woman operation. It hasn’t been easy at times but I have poured every ounce of love and passion I could possibly muster even through adversity. I have learnt SO much as an artist and human being.
“It’s hard for me to express just how grateful I am to the artists and audiences who have latched onto this space and made it their own. I have made so many beautiful friendships I will treasure forever! For a place so tiny, the surrounding community has made such a big impact on the independent Australian music scene.”
Avron says she “kinda” knows what she’ll do next, but can’t announce anything just yet.
“All I know is I need a break and a chance to work out my next move. Stay tuned,” she says.
Read her full statement, below.
The Newsagency’s closure comes after news that nearby venue Newtown Social Club, which is closing later this month, will supposedly reopen after being turned into a mini-golf themed bar.
Alison Avron (The Newsagency) Statement (Via Facebook)
5 and a half years is a pretty incredible stint for essentially a one woman operation. It hasn’t been easy at times but I have poured every ounce of love and passion I could possibly muster even through adversity. I have learnt SO much as an artist and human being.
It’s hard for me to express just how grateful I am to the artists and audiences who have latched onto this space and made it their own.I have made so many beautiful friendships I will treasure forever! For a place so tiny, the surrounding community has made such a big impact on the independent Australian music scene.
Thank you to my patrons on Patreon for being legends and supporting the space financially. You have no idea how helpful that monthly income is at times! Thank you to my mum (miss you so much)and dad for supporting this crazy vision and helping me renovate way back when. (My dad is honestly the smartest and handiest man I know!) Thanks to Marrickville Council for letting me fly under the radar in this very colourful grey area for so long. Thanks to the surrounding venues for being friends -not enemies- and listening to/answering any questions whenever I needed! (Camelot, Django, Gasoline Pony, The Vic Lazybones – to name a few)
Thanks to AMP Foundation for allowing me to take this next step into the future! I’m excited and scared and tired and sad and happy all at the time – but that’s totally LIFE!
Do I know what’s happening next? Kinda. Can I announce anything? Not really. All I know is I need a break & a chance to work out my next move. Stay tuned.
