MidCoast Council has refreshed its Event and Festival Sponsorship Policy, cementing its commitment to attracting and supporting events and festivals that capitalise on the strengths of the region.
The traditional sponsorship program went through a review process and Council’s new version includes updated categories which will make it easier for organisers to identify and apply for the most suitable type of sponsorship.
The main changes to the policy are the reduction in the number of sponsorship categories, updated sponsorship category titles, new assessment criteria for each category and the decision to have the majority of sponsorship assessments completed via a single round, rather than the two rounds previously run.
The three new categories are Community and Local Events (funding up to $2,500); Events and Festivals (funding up to $10,000); and Regionally Significant Events.
The Community and Local Events category recognises events that are primarily staged for local audiences, while the Events and Festivals category is for higher profile events that attract visitors from outside the MidCoast region, and the Regionally Significant category is for events that showcase the MidCoast on a much larger scale and would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Not only does the new program offer clearer categories, the application process has also undergone changes with a more streamlined approach. The Community and Local Events category now has a simplified form that only needs to be submitted once a year, however, the Events and Festivals category will continue to offer two funding rounds.
“We know there will be a transition to the new program and Council’s Economic Development and Events Team is happy to assist community groups and organisations where necessary to ensure it is as seamless as possible,” said Robyn Brennan, MidCoast Council’s Economic Development Coordinator.
“We will be working individually with our existing event organisers to ensure a positive transition to the new policy. We welcome new and existing event organisers to contact us for assistance.”
