State (Liberal) Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish has announced an elected Liberal Government will establish and support a Community Arts Event and Festival Promotion Fund to assist small, community led festivals and arts events in their marketing to attract more community support and patrons.
“Often, regional events that become part of the Victorian events calendar on an ongoing basis begin as community ideas. They can take years to grow, develop and gain momentum.”
“A Liberal Government will provide support to festivals and events of this nature so they can creatively evolve, develop and become a fixture on our cultural calendars,” McLeish said.
Festivals and events which can apply for marketing grants of up to $2000 per event will include categories like music, art, writers, Food & Wine and craft festivals.
Organisers will be able to use these funds for social media advertising, neighbouring area publications or even a small spot in the Melbourne tourism publications.
“I’m a great believer in tourism led by arts and culture, and nurturing our creative talents across our region.”
“This is a practical idea that will support organisers of community festivals and events in those challenging early stages,” McLeish concluded.