10 new reasons to explore and celebrate across Maribyrnong

Published on 20 August 2026

Council is supporting 10 festivals and creative activations through the Place-based Initiatives (Annual) Grants Program, bringing new experiences, opportunities and activities to communities across the municipality.

Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra said the successful projects would help create vibrant local places, strengthen community connections and support the City’s creative and business communities.

“These grants support a fantastic range of creative projects that will bring people together, activate our precincts and showcase the talent and ideas within our community.

“From music and comedy to film, festivals, craft and design, these projects offer something for everyone while creating valuable opportunities for local creatives, organisations and businesses.”

The 10 successful projects represent a diverse range of offerings that will activate different precincts across Maribyrnong, while providing opportunities for local participation, collaboration and economic activity.

Highlights include Cinespace Inc's Screening Solidarity, a new community-led screen culture program activating central Footscray and The Sun Theatre; The Inner West Jest, a series of comedy events from Footscray Traders Association starring national headline acts supported by emerging comedians; the PBS & Kindred event series, a significant new cultural partnership delivering inclusive music events; and The West Side Pop-Up, an extended activation in West Footscray providing opportunities for local creatives and small businesses through craft and design.

The funded activities complement Council's 10 supported Signature Festivals, which are entering their second year of funding and continue to add to the City’s exciting cultural calendar.

Mayor Semra said the breadth of projects reflected the purpose of the Place-based Initiatives (Annual) Grants Program, which is designed to support a dynamic mix of festivals and activations across the City.

“Great local events do more than provide something to do – they can help define the identity of a neighbourhood, bring people together and encourage visitors to discover what our local precincts have to offer,” Mayor Semra said.

“We’re also helping build connections between local businesses and creatives, which can strengthen our local economy and create lasting benefits beyond the events themselves.”

The funded projects will be delivered across Maribyrnong throughout 2026/27, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience, participate in and contribute to the City’s thriving cultural life.

For more details, visit the Place-based Initiatives (Annual) grants page.

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