Event funding aims to attract different demographics back into Perth’s CBD

The Western Australian Government has delivered $1.9 million funding among 24 eligible businesses, property owners and not-for-profits to host events that attract a range of different demographics back into Perth’s CBD.

The funding comes from the State Government’s $4 million Perth CBD Revitalisation Grant Program.

Youth focused events, markets, festivals, and artistic performances are just some of the applications from Round 1, which attracted more than 70 applications. The CBD Revitalisation Grant Program offers up to $100,000 in funding for eligible events.

Some of the successful applications from Round 1 include:

• Summer Jam Perth - an outdoor basketball tournament featuring some of the best basketballers in the country;

• Macula at Cathedral Square - projections of Aboriginal art and storytelling;

• Twilight Dinner - a public dinner held at a secret location with up to 2,500 guests;

• Telethon Family Festival - a full-day, family friendly festival to mark Telethon Weekend, extending along Wellington Street with road closures connecting Elders Street to Yagan Square;

• Perth City Festival of Football - will bring together people from all walks of life to enjoy football and more; and

• Pride FEST - free events in Northbridge to celebrate the LGBTQIA community.

The State Government's investment is part of a $12 million package aimed at increasing foot traffic in the Perth CBD and Northbridge, with the intention of making the city more connected, active, and an attractive place to live, work, visit or play.

WA Local Government Minister John Carey notes “it's great to see so many city businesses, and community organisations with innovative ideas to draw people back into the Perth CBD and revitalise our city.

"Round 2 opened on 1st September, and I encourage any eligible organisation to think big about an event they could hold over the upcoming summer.

"There is a huge calendar of events coming up in our city. There's going to be something for everyone, so get out and enjoy everything our city has to offer."

Applications are assessed against criteria of economic impact, activation, and capability to deliver.

Eligible businesses, not-for-profits, and property owners with ideas for events held in the Perth CBD and Northbridge that will be held by 30th March 2023 can apply for grants in Round 2, which closes at 5pm on 1st October 2022.

The third and final round of applications will be open from 1st February to 1st March, for events to be held by 30th June 2023.

To read the guidelines and find out how to apply visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website 

Image: Summer Jam Perth - an outdoor basketball tournament featuring some of the best basketballers in the country