Melbourne's night-time economy will be supercharged with up to $2 million in grant funding to support spectacular new activations in the city after dark.
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.
