The move is part of the city's programme named the Christmas Collective, which offers grants to a limit of $5000 to arrange and implement an activation or event during the festive season. It is part of the 2020 Festival programme, according to Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp, who added:
“While we don’t know exactly what the festive season will look like this year, Christmas is not cancelled and we are still looking for fresh and innovative ways to deliver festive fun to the people of Melbourne.”
In previous years, Christmas events have been the focus of many brochure printing campaigns to help boost attendance and create an all-encompassing festive spirit.
The Lord Mayor said that planning flexibility is an important requirement of successful applicants this year, and that COVID-safe measures and social distancing protocols will be in place.
Last year, the city's Federation Square attracted in excess of 2 million visitors to its annual Christmas presentations, and boosted the local economy by an estimated $73m. The 2020 event represents a concerted government effort to support medium and small businesses through a difficult time during the coming festive and New Year season.
The deadline for EOI submissions is September 30. Further information is available on the city's website.