18 activations to help stimulate Melbourne economy and bring the city to life

​The latest round of City Activation Grants will deliver more than $800,000 to support 18 activations including pop-ups, performances and events across Melbourne from August to December, designed to entice city workers and visitors into Melbourne following the winter period.  

Recipients will receive up to $50,000 to support the delivery of their activation.

The City Activation Grants are part of the landmark $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund – a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government to stimulate the economy and bring the city to life.

Successful grant recipients include:

• ‘Winter Sessions’ – bringing together emerging and established Melbourne musicians to create live music hubs at the Queen Victoria Market precinct, Lygon Street and Alexandra Gardens in August.

• ‘Florals by the Docklands’ – converting the waterside precinct into a floral wonderland with Spring-themed street art installations and projections in September.

• ‘Bike Valet’ – providing valet-style bike parking in Docklands, encouraging riders to make the most of the city sunshine in September.

• ‘Salsa in the City’ – dancing and live music jam sessions across the city from September to December, taking place at Queensbridge Square, Dukes Walk and Collins Landing.

• ‘Remember the Wild’ – an augmented reality experience on Melbourne’s past and future.

• ‘Creek Chat’ – a sound-based public art intervention amplifying the underground waterway Williams Creek in Melbourne CBD, acknowledging the journey the creek has been through on Wurundjeri Land. 

City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell  advised “we’re doing everything we can breathe new life into Melbourne as our business owners bounce back from the pandemic.

 "We know events are driving Melbourne’s recovery, which is why we’re supporting a diverse range of new activations, performances and activities to keep visitors coming back to the city, putting dollars into local traders' pockets.”