Innovators, artists, creatives, businesses, community organisations and researchers can get involved in Canberra's new winter festival, taking place between 7 – 16 July 2023.
Expressions of Interest are now open for grants between $5,000 and $20,000 that will support events and activities as part of the festival program.
"We're looking for event organisers to bring forward ideas that enhance Canberra's reputation as the knowledge capital and as a place that champions ideas and takes the lead," said Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Andrew Barr.
"These events and activities should reflect the festival's aim to support collaboration between creatives, our higher education institutions, researchers and business. They should be uniquely Canberran as well as highlight and support our inclusive values."
"The delivery of the winter festival has been delayed for a number of years due to COVID-19 and it will be fantastic to see this new event get off the ground in 2023.
"The festival will give Canberrans a reason to celebrate what is special about their city and embrace the winter months. It is also designed to draw visitors to the capital at a traditionally quieter time of year for tourists."
Minister for the Arts, Tara Cheyne said this was a great opportunity for the local arts community. "The grants program will prioritise opportunities to showcase artists, creatives and collaborators from across a wide range of disciplines, arts organisations, venues, and spaces.
"This will be a two-stage process with Expressions of Interest due by Sunday 12 February. Selected applicants will then be invited to make a full submission in late February to access a funding pool of $200,000."
The festival helps to support the ACT Government's tourism, arts and economic development priorities.
The program, currently being developed by Creative Director Yolande Norris, will be announced in the coming months along with the official name of the new festival.
Guidelines for the Winter Festival Fund are available at events.canberra.com.au and Expressions of Interest close at 5pm Sunday 12 February 2022.
