Giant Australian animal puppets and street performers are taking over Docklands, as part of a series of activities to reignite the city this summer.
Eight organisations have received funding to host activations under the first tranche of the $1.75 million City Activation Grants program, which aims to drive visitation to precincts severely impacted by COVID-19.
The grant program provides funding of up to $50,000 and will support more than 30 activations in the first half of 2022.
Other first-round grant recipients include:
- A Korean Street Food Festival in the CBD
- A Moulin-Rouge pop-up experience
- Live screenings of the Australian Open in Carlton
- An art installation and cultural food walking tour in Melbourne’s north and west.
The City Activation Grants are part of the landmark $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund – a joint investment by the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government to stimulate the economy and bring the city to life.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“There is something for everyone in Docklands this summer – from our jaw-dropping nightly drone shows, to sun-drenched afternoon spritz sessions, and now some fantastic family fun with puppets and performers,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The City Activation Grants will deliver a huge range of pop-ups across the municipality to surprise and delight Victorians this year.
“I am thrilled to see the first round of events come to life as we soak up everything marvellous Melbourne has to offer in 2022.”
Attributable to Business and Global Opportunities portfolio lead Councillor Kevin Louey
“While these grants will drive visitation to specific areas, the activations will also add to the atmosphere in the city – encouraging people to stay longer and visit local businesses,” Cr Louey said.
“We’re encouraging people to come into the city and enjoy the activations on offer – all of which are free, accessible and family-friendly.”
Summer activities funded by the City Activation Grants:
Carlton
- Big Screen Company – Australian Open live screenings
- Sophie deLightful Presents – Mobile circus and roving performers
CBD
- Collins Street Precinct Group – Moulin Rouge themed pop-up experiences
- Pizza Monster Melbourne – Korean Street Food Festival
- YO City – Pop-up picnics in open spaces featuring live music and screenings from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour filmmakers
Docklands
- Snuff Puppets – Large scale roaming puppets
- Street Performance Australia – Street theatre and performers
North and West Melbourne
- SalamFest – Activations including an art installation expressing Muslim culture, and a cultural food walking tour
