Funding will support large-scale events like the Melbourne Italian Festa and SalamFest, alongside smaller events like the Geelong Nepalese Association’s Holi Festival, which is expected to attract around 200 people.
All events will adhere to COVIDSafe settings, with many organisations choosing to continue hosting digital events.
The Castlemaine State Festival will receive funding to support its popular opening night celebration, featuring award-winning singer-songwriter and activist Ajak Kwai, who sings of her exile from South Sudan as a refugee, in Arabic, English and her native Dinka language.
With Victoria’s iconic entertainment and events industry impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the funding aims to support the safe return of festivals and events to the state’s cultural calendar and support the revitalisation of our economy.
“Victorians have a lot to celebrate after a very challenging year and the Multicultural Festivals and Events program will support our communities to safely come together and do just that,” Spence said.
“We know that sharing and preserving culture is part of what makes Victoria such a successful multicultural society – and this will continue.”
For a full list of events, visit the Victorian government’s website.
