The $1.75 million grant program aims to reignite Melbourne by driving up foot traffic and spending to support local business owners.
Grants of up to $50,000 have been distributed.
Successful grant recipients include:
- ‘Winter Sessions’ – bringing together emerging and established Melbourne musicians to create live music hubs at the Queen Victoria Market precinct, Lygon Street and Alexandra Gardens in August.
- ‘The Greenhouse Conservatory’ – converting the waterside precinct into a floral wonderland with Spring-themed street art installations and projections in September.
- ‘Dock Your Bike’ – providing valet-style bike parking in Docklands, encouraging riders to make the most of the city sunshine in September.
- ‘Salsa in the City’ – dancing and live music jam sessions across the city from September to December, taking place at Queensbridge Square, Dukes Walk and Collins Landing.
- ‘Remember the Wild’ – an augmented reality experience on Melbourne’s past and future.
- ‘Creek Chat’ – a sound-based public art intervention amplifying the underground waterway Williams Creek in Melbourne CBD, acknowledging the journey the creek has been through on Wurundjeri Land.
The City Activation Grants are part of the landmark $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund – a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government to stimulate the economy and bring the city to life.
2022 activations
August to December activations
- Muso - August activation
- Creek Chat - August activation
- Bicycle Network - September activation
- Remember The Wild LMTD - September activation
- Mbassy Dance - September, October and December activation
- Lyly Greca - September activation
- North & West Melbourne Precinct Association - October activation
- Bukjeh - October and November activation
- Leanne Gunnulson - October activation
- After Dark - October activation
- Casa Cultura Inc - November and December activation
- Bild Architecture - November activation
- Extra Contextual - December activation
Past activations
- Race-Tech Australia Pty Ltd – January activation
- Curbside Carnies – January activation
- Snuff Puppets – January activation
- Street Performance Australia – January and February activation
- Yo City Pty Ltd – February activation
- SalamFest Inc – February activation
- Collins Street Precinct Group – March and April activation
Guidelines
Applications are now closed.