Australia's largest celebration of cultural diversity, the National Multicultural Festival, will take place from 16 to 18 February 2024. In further support of this much-loved festival, the ACT Government is investing an additional $3.3 million over the next two years.
In February 2023 all records were broken as the 25th anniversary marked the biggest and best festival yet, bringing together 170 cultures and affirming Canberra as a proudly welcoming and inclusive city.
With an expanded footprint across the city and into Glebe Park, 380,563 visitors enjoyed 266 stalls, 325 performance groups, 34 workshops, 16 cooking demonstrations, 30 cultural showcases, and the largest ever festival parade.
Following this resounding success, the ACT Government's funding boost will continue the standard set by the 2023 Festival. This includes a continuation of the Festival's expanded footprint in the city and into Glebe Park.
To support the participation of multicultural groups and organisations, stallholder fees - which have been frozen since 2018 – will remain the same and the Festival's Grants Program funding pool will increase to $200,000 – its largest ever, and more than double the historic funding pool of $90,000.
These decisions will help promote even greater participation across the National Multicultural Festival's footprint and attract new and emerging communities.
Post event research demonstrates the 2023 festival's substantial boost to the local economy, resulting in over 40,000 visitor nights and a total economic benefit of $20.8 million. These were large increases from the 2020 figures of 22,000 and $12.2 million respectively.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
The National Multicultural Festival achieves twin goals of being a community-driven event that Canberrans love, and delivering strong economic returns for our city.
The ACT Government is continuing to invest in an event that continues to deliver for Canberrans.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tara Cheyne
The 2023 Festival was special in so many ways, including that it set a new standard. I am so pleased that, following the strength of such wonderful feedback in 2023, this funding allows us to continue the expanded Festival footprint in the city and into Glebe Park.
We also know the Festival could not be delivered without the incredible contribution from our stallholders, performers, volunteers and community leaders. This funding ensures we are continuing to support our vibrant and strong multicultural community in showcasing why we are recognised as a truly welcoming city.
