The Andrews Labor Government is supporting multicultural and multifaith communities to reconnect, celebrate and share their culture through community festivals and events.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence today announced the opening of the next round of funding from the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program for communities to deliver COVIDSafe events between 1 July and 31 December 2022.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for community organisations to host face to face, digital or hybrid events that share culture and traditions and help revitalise Victoria’s events industry.

Applications from regional and rural communities, as well as new and emerging communities, will be prioritised.

The program also includes $50,000 to deliver the fourth and final round of the Hindu Festivals and Events Program – which provides dedicated support for the Hindu community and was a 2018 election commitment.

Previous events funded through the Multicultural Festivals and Events program include the Johnson Street Hispanic Latin American Festival in Fitzroy, 2021 African Music and Cultural Festival in Federation Square and Geelong’s Pako Festa.

Applications are open until 13 April 2022.

All events will be required to adhere to COVIDSafe settings. To apply, visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-and-events-program.