More than 87,000 visitors from interstate and abroad converged on Victoria for the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces blockbuster exhibition, David Bowie Is.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today announced the show at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) attracted a total crowd of 199,636 – helping maintain our title as the cultural events capital and keeping our State strong.
The Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series have been a key feature of Victoria’s impressive calendar of events since 2004, drawing a combined audience of 4.7 million. Of these, some 389,000 have travelled from interstate or abroad, delivering an economic boost to Victoria of more than $380 million.
Australians and people from abroad enjoy cultural events and love seeing them in Victoria – the figures prove it. Our calendar of events is a key reason why Victoria’s visitor economy is worth nearly $22 billion annually, and the Andrews Labor Government is working harder to make it even stronger.
The Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an additional $80 million so the State can continue to secure more of the biggest and best events. The establishment of Visit Victoria, the State’s bold blueprint for a new era in tourism and major events, will sell our strengths like never before.
Already this year, Victoria has secured the Melbourne Ring Cycle, Broadway blockbuster Kinky Boots and the latest in the Bendigo International Collections, Marilyn Monroe.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“This is more proof that we’re the major events capital of Australia. Events like David Bowie Is are bringing visitors from all over the world to Victoria.”
“We’re working hard to grow our calendar of events and strengthen our visitor economy, because we know it means jobs for Victorians and a more prosperous state.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley
“Whether you’re a music buff, a film fan or a fashion follower, it’s hard to go past David Bowie. This exhibition was the result of a spectacular collaboration between the V&A Museum and ACMI.”
“It has brought a range of new audiences to ACMI and shown how dynamic exhibitions, like Bowie’s work, can capture the imagination of people of all ages.”
Quotes attributable to ACMI Director, Katrina Sedgwick
“We are immensely proud of the ACMI incarnation, which has had a huge impact and brought nearly 200,000 visitors into our building.”
“It’s been a game-changer for us due to the rich public program we built around the exhibition, including the enormously successful Friday late nights.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020