The programme is a new initiative set up to support hospitality venues, small businesses and LGBTQIA+ artists and performers around Australia. It's a $100,000 grant fund which will support venues who share their plans to host a COVID-safe event for the 2021 Parade and support and employ LGBTQIA+ artists as part of it.
"Despite border closures and changing restrictions, it is our intention to continue to support the hospitality and arts and culture sectors and ensure the Mardi Gras Parade is as accessible as possible," Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger says.
"We encourage all venues across Australia, particularly those in regional and remote parts of the country, to apply for these grants and celebrate their local LGBTQIA+ community. We have plans to announce the full list of participating venues in the coming weeks and I encourage everyone to check out the line-up, support your local venue and LGBTQIA+ artist, and enjoy a COVID-safe night out."
"We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Facebook and Instagram and directly support small businesses and queer artists around Australia."
"The past year has been exceptionally hard for live performers and artists, along with the hospitality venues and small businesses they call home. Our new grants programme will directly support these communities, and uplift the queer voices and businesses that rely on Mardi Gras each year," Facebook Australia Director Of Policy Mia Garlick says. "Facebook Australia has been a major partner of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for many years, and this grants programme will be a new way in which our partnership empowers the LGBTQIA+ community around Australia."
