Canberra’s new winter festival will take place between 7 and 16 July, and innovators, artists, creatives, businesses, community organisations, and researchers can get involved.

Expressions of Interest are now open for grants between $5,000 and $20,000 that will support events and activities as part of the festival program.

This will be a two-stage process. Expressions of Interest are due by Sunday 12 February. Selected applicants will then be invited to make a full submission in late February to access a funding pool of $200,000.

“We’re looking for event organisers to bring forward ideas that enhance Canberra’s reputation as the knowledge capital and as a place that champions ideas and takes the lead,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who is also Minister for Tourism.

“These events and activities should reflect the festival’s aim to support collaboration between creatives, our higher education institutions, researchers, and business. They should be uniquely Canberran, as well as highlight and support our inclusive values.

“The delivery of the winter festival has been delayed for a number of years due to COVID-19, and it will be fantastic to see this new event get off the ground in 2023.

“The festival will give Canberrans a reason to celebrate what is special about their city and embrace the winter months. It is also designed to draw visitors to the capital at a traditionally quieter time of year for tourists.”

Tara Cheyne, Minister for the Arts, said this was a great opportunity for the local arts community.

“The grants program will prioritise opportunities to showcase artists, creatives, and collaborators from across a wide range of disciplines, arts organisations, venues, and spaces.”

The festival helps to support the ACT Government’s tourism, arts, and economic development priorities.

The program, developed by creative director Yolande Norris, and the official name of the new festival will be announced in the coming months.

“We’re working hard with a range of stakeholders across Canberra to bring together creative thinkers, innovators, and artists to generate and present original, mindful, purposeful, and progressive ideas,” Ms Norris said.

“Through the program of events, audiences will experience, discover, and connect with something different – new ways, new ideas, new directions.”

Guidelines for the Winter Festival Fund are available at events.canberra.com.au, and Expressions of Interest close at 5pm Sunday 12 February.