The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a creative summer like no other, with some of Australia’s biggest acts to deliver pop-up gigs at iconic outdoor locations around Melbourne’s CBD.
Surprise free performances will electrify city streets with singing superstar Tones And I launching the series at the Melbourne GPO today. Aria award winning breakthrough artist Budjerah and iconic duo Vika and Linda Bull were also confirmed for the special sidewalk project – with more big names to appear in the CBD without notice.
Appearing in undisclosed locations, the pop-up performances provide a perfect reason for Victorians to rediscover their beloved capital city, with performances scheduled in the lead up to Christmas and beyond.
The surprise street performances are scheduled into February – alongside a massive busking program of more than 700 live performances featuring emerging Victorian artists as part of an investment more than $20 million by the Labor Government to kick start Victoria’s Live Music industry.
Supported through the Labor Government’s $9 million On The Road Again initiative, the feast of live music marks the beginning of an incredible summer of creativity in Melbourne, with a calendar packed with arts and cultural events.
Art lovers can check out the Koorie Art Show at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square, Patricia Piccinini’s A Miracle Constantly Repeated at Flinders Street Station and Bark Ladies: Eleven Artists from Yirrkala, which opens at NGV International on Friday, 17 December.
Bring the family into the city for Disney: The Magic of Animation at ACMI, a Kids’ Takeover of State Library Victoria or to seek out 21 Tiny Dinosaurs hiding at Melbourne Museum.
Melbourne’s theatre district is also buzzing with productions including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen and Moulin Rouge all running through the summer months. Arts Centre Melbourne is once again hosting its Live at the Bowl summer series of concerts, while Midsumma will burst into life in late January.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
“Tones And I, Vika and Linda Bull and other incredible Victorian artists are bringing the buzz to city streets this summer – we’re delivering live music back here in the CBD and all over Victoria”
“This is a summer that will reinforce Melbourne’s standing as the nation’s cultural and events capital with an epic calendar of performances, live music and events.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne’s live music scene is an integral part of our city’s identity, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Victorian Government to reignite our iconic streets and laneways with performances by some of Australia’s most exciting musicians.”
“City workers, residents and visitors will reap the rewards of the spectacular line-up of free pop-up gigs – you could find yourself singing and dancing alongside your favourite artist on your lunchbreak or as you finish off your Christmas shopping.”
Reviewed 16 December 2021