The Dusk till Dawn Activation Grants program aims to entice more visitors in to support the city’s twilight and night-time traders, as part of the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
Grants of up to $100,000 are available for activations that bring energy and vibrancy to city precincts from 6pm to 6am, including:
- Pop-up music and theatrical performances in Melbourne’s unique outdoor spaces
- Interactive public exhibitions
- Art and lighting installations
- Outdoor food festivals
Melbourne’s night-time economy employed more than 31,000 people in 2020-21 – a 14.9 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
City of Melbourne pedestrian data shows the night-time economy is leading the city’s revival, with foot traffic after dark at key dining and entertainment precincts regularly exceeding the pre-COVID benchmark.
Since March, night-time pedestrian activity in Southbank has consistently exceeded pre-pandemic levels, while weekend activity on Lygon Street is also regularly reaching the 2019 benchmark.
The Dawn till Dusk Activations Grants program will support activations from 1 May to 31 October 2023.
Applications open at 9am on Monday 31 October. For more information, or to apply, visit the City of Melbourne website.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne is a 24/7 city which sparkles at night - with an array of world-class restaurants, bars and late-night venues, live entertainment, innovative art and cultural experiences, and unique retail offerings.”
“The Dusk till Dawn Activation Grants program will allow us to take our night-time economy to the next level, giving visitors and locals alike yet another reason to enjoy and experience the city after dark.”
“This program will further build on our work to enhance the city’s night-time economy post-COVID – from our Night-Time Economy Advisory Committee to the hugely popular Melbourne Money dining scheme, it’s clear our efforts are having a significant impact during Melbourne’s sustained bounce back.”
Quotes attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
“New data shows the number of night-time establishments in Melbourne increased 4.4 per cent to nearly 3,000 in 2020-21 – or 7 per cent of the total economy.”
“This grant program will keep that momentum going, providing an exciting opportunity to further activate and energise our city precincts after dark.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll
“The CBD is vital to our state’s prosperity, that’s why we’re backing initiatives that attract more people to visit at night, creating jobs for the future and supporting businesses to bounce back.”