Canberra can expect a wider range of community festivals, celebrations and events in the months and years ahead with applications invited for the latest round of grants under the ACT Event Fund.
Minister for Arts and Cultural Events, Gordon Ramsay announced that $500,000 was available to support and diversify Canberra’s growing events industry.
“Applications are open for the 2020 round of the ACT Event Fund,” Mr Ramsay said.
“We’re rolling out this investment in our events sector because we recognise the positive impact events have on our community and their ability to increase tourism and visitation numbers,” he said.
“The ACT Event Fund supports eligible event organisers to develop, market and promote their events, which enables a vibrant, innovative events culture within the ACT and assists in developing a year-round events calendar for locals and visitors.”
He said the fund would support tier one events by up to $15,000 for events seeking enhancement and growth, and from $15,001 to $30,000 for tier two events that could demonstrate strong economic, social and community benefits.
“To bring more events and vibrancy to our community town centres, the ACT Event Fund now also incorporates a Community Event Funding stream,” Mr Ramsay said.
“This stream offers support of up to $15,000 for new or existing community events and festivals that are activated in suburbs and town centres.”
He said community events were an essential ingredient for building a progressive and liveable city.
“They play a key role in formulating and shaping Canberra’s personality, providing a variety of avenues for expressing creativity, capturing our interests and imagination, and reflecting a true sense of place,” Mr Ramsay said.
He said the main round would be open to applications until 2 September, while applications for Community Event Funding will remain open until funds were exhausted.
