To celebrate diversity and foster unity, the Victorian Government has announced a fresh round of funding to support multicultural festivals and events throughout Victoria.
More than $2.4 million is set to be distributed under the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, with Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt revealing the details today.
“We’re proud to be supporting so many multicultural and multifaith communities across Victoria each year,” Minister Stitt said.
Eligible organisers can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to fund events scheduled between July 1 and December 31, 2024. This announcement follows previous investments in cultural diversity by the Victorian Government, which has allocated over $36 million since 2014 to nearly 10,000 multicultural events across Victoria.
These events have ranged from large festivals to smaller, community-centred celebrations, funded through both the Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund and the Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund.
Highlighting the impact of previous funding rounds, the Shepparton Arts Festival was mentioned for its Converge on the Goulburn event, which celebrates Shepparton’s First Nations and multicultural communities through music, dance, and cultural festivities.
Similarly, the Viva a Vida Foundation, known for supporting various community members, including survivors of family violence and international students, was recognised for organising the Circles of Brazil event. The Melbourne Vinayagar Hindu Sangam also received funding this year to host Mahotsavam, a significant Hindu festival.
The latest funding round supported 116 organisations, including Filipino organisations, with a total of $960,000, underlining the government’s commitment to promoting Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities.
Minister Stitt further emphasised that these events are not just celebrations but pivotal moments that “foster understanding and appreciation for all communities,” contributing significantly to Victoria’s diverse cultural landscape.
The application window for these grants opened on March 13 and will close on April 19, 2024. Priority will be given to applications from new and emerging communities, as well as those with high numbers of refugees and individuals in humanitarian need. For more information on how to apply, organisations are encouraged to visit the official government website dedicated to the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program.
This funding announcement continues Victoria’s dedication to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity among its communities. It aims to ensure that every corner of the state can participate in and benefit from its rich multicultural heritage.
Information sessions for those interested can register for the following dates:
- Wednesday, 20 March, 12-1 pm
- Thursday, 21 March, 6:30-7:30 pm – rural and regional session
- Tuesday 26 March, 12-1 pm – new and emerging community session
- Thursday, 28 March, 6:30-7:30 pm
- Thursday, 4 April, 6:30-7:30 pm – new and emerging community session
- Friday 5 April 12-1 pm – rural and regional session.
