The program aims to support publicly accessible events that attract a minimum of 500 people and provide memorable and engaging experiences for locals and visitors.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available for smaller events, exhibitions and activations, and grants of up to $100,000 are available for medium to large events.
Special consideration may be given to proposals seeking funding above $100,000.
The funding can be used to support any part of the planning, delivery and promotion of an event in the City of Melbourne in 2021.
The City of Melbourne will allocate funding by looking at all activations across the city to ensure an even spread across dates, locations and types of events.
As part of the application process, organisers will need to show they have considered the ongoing impact of COVID-19. This includes detailing how the event will be delivered if there are potential changes to restrictions, as well as submitting a COVIDSafe Plan for the event to the Victorian Government for approval.
This initiative is part of the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund being jointly delivered by the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.
Round one applications (for events held between Friday 1 January 2021 and Sunday 28 February 2021) close on Friday 18 December 2020.
Applications for round two (for events held between Monday 1 March 2021 and Friday 31 December 2021) close on Friday 15 January 2021.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp:
“Melbourne is a world-renowned events city and we are doing everything we can to support this industry. Events provide a major boost to city businesses and help keep Melburnians in jobs,” the Lord Mayor said.
“More than 200 events with City of Melbourne involvement were cancelled or postponed between March and November 2020. This has had a huge impact on our economy so getting events up and running again is critical to our city’s recovery.
“This funding will provide a critical boost not just for events companies and venues, but also accommodation providers, caterers, cleaners, audio visual technicians and entertainers.”