State bumps up funds for After Dark event

GEELONG After Dark will receive a funding boost to return in 2018.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens announced the arts event would receive funding from the State Government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund.

The event was launched as an adaptation of Melbourne’s White Night festival, transforming Geelong into a citywide arts walk complete with interactive performances, installations, projections and illuminations and more through streets and in venues.

“We’re proud to support events like Geelong After Dark which show off Geelong as a vibrant, cultural city,” Ms Couzens said. “It’s events like these that keep our bars, restaurants and hotels busy, and put Geelong on the map for visitors. The event attracts visitors, creates jobs, and keeps local businesses busy.”

She did not confirm exactly how much funding the event would receive.

After Dark is produced by the City of Greater Geelong to give creative talents an offpeak event to showcase their work, and was first held in Geelong in 2014.

About 26,000 people turned out to this year’s event, with more than 80 acts and 370 artists taking part.

The 2018 event is expected to attract up to 35,000 people on Friday, May 4.

Major Events Minister John Eren last week announced Geelong would host its own White Night next October.