City of Melbourne has released its draft Budget 2025-26 with investment into major arts and cultural events, including Melbourne Fashion Week, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and funding for the return of both Firelight Festival and Now or Never in 2025.
A total of $26 million will go towards delivering more than 80 events, from New Year’s Eve to sporting shows and food festivals. Melbourne International Comedy Festival will be backed with $130,000 for its 40th anniversary.
An additional $6.2 million will be invested in the city’s arts sector, including $3.2 million for Melbourne-based artists and $3 million towards public art offerings, such as the Southbank Public Art Commission, Stolen Generations Marker, Test Sites program, and the Hero Building Commission.
Lord Mayer Nick Reece tells ArtsHub, “Melbourne has long been Australia’s arts, culture and events capital – and we’re investing more than $32 million in this budget to keep it that way.
”As the destination of choice for emerging talent, we will continue to provide funding for grassroots local artists along with our investment in public art.”
The draft Budget also highlights the ambition to establish a Little India precinct in Docklands, building on the recent establishment of Koreatown in the CBD.
In a seperate media release dated 11 May, there was the mention of $5.3 million towards building a larger, modern library at the Boyd Community Hub in Southbank.
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Melbourne is expected to welcome up to 18 million visitors by 2028, and the city is decking out its arts and cultural offerings in preparation.
Feedback on the draft Budget 2025–26 can be provided on Participate Melbourne from 6pm on Tuesday 13 May until 5pm on Monday 2 June.
