The Sunshine Coast is set to become an events incubator with funds now dedicated to encouraging new, fresh and exciting drawcards.
A new Emerging Events category has been added to Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Sponsorship Program to ensure the creativity of the region is showcased well into the future.
Council’s Head of Economic Development Chris Le Serve said the new funding initiative was needed to keep up with the ever-changing events landscape.
“The new Emerging Events category has enabled us to diversify our sponsorship portfolio to better support the arts and cultural sector,” Mr Le Serve said.
“Emerging events have been assessed differently to other major events, with a focus placed on the event’s future growth potential to drive significant economic benefit back to the region.”
Mr Le Serve said Council knew these events had less economic return initially and needed time to grow their reputation and attraction power for visitors.
“We want the Sunshine Coast to be recognised as Australia’s premier regional events destination and we need new event initiatives to ensure we have a diverse range of events on the Sunshine Coast for people to enjoy,” he said.
The first events to be funded through the category include the Australian Wearable Art Festival, The Rangebow Festival, Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival and SHOWFEST.
The Australian Wearable Art Festival is a unique cultural event that brings together art and fashion. It has captured both national and international attention.
Over two days, the event has more than 40 artworks, which are paraded along a 27m catwalk.
Festival Co-Director Wendy Roe said the continued support received from Council had given the event the momentum and credibility needed to secure corporate partners and build a sustainable arts event.
“We are thrilled to receive a sponsorship as an Emerging Event as it not only gives us valuable dollars to assist us in running the event, but we have access to an experienced and well-connected events team within Council,” Ms Roe said.
Australian Wearable Art Festival: August 9-10
The Australian Wearable Art Festival provides a platform for artists and designers to embrace their creative exploration into form, structure, texture and colour using an eclectic mix of often unusual materials. Pieces merge materials in weird and wonderful collaborations where art, science, fashion and technology all collide.
The Rangebow Festival: August 1-4
The Rangebow Festival celebrates the creative life and spirit of everyone in The Range communities. Its purpose is to demonstrate through positive messages that the festival themes are integral to the wellbeing of a cohesive community valuing everyone and their contribution individually and together. The festival takes place annually primarily across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland communities of Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton.
Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival: June 6-9
The Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival intelligently reimagines chamber music in a contemporary context, integrating site-specific, cross-form, and cross-cultural elements. Each year the festival aims to present an innovative program of bespoke events staged in stunning natural locations and intimate venues across the Sunshine Coast.
SHOWFEST: June 21-22
SHOWFEST is an evolution of Sunny Coast Showdown, an annual screen industry competition, we will showcase the work of young aspiring TV and film producers.
