Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has partnered with Meta Australia (aka Facebook) to offer $100,000 in funding grants for LGBQTIA+ hospitality venues and small businesses.
Applications are now open for the Mardis Gras Parade Viewing Event Grants, with 30 grants up to the value of $3,350 each on offer to venues around Australia that plan to host a COVID-Safe viewing event for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade. Applicants must also show they intend to support and employ queer performers or artists as part of their event.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras chief executive officer Albert Kruger said it was great to unite with Meta once again to deliver much needed support to LGBQTIA+ venues and artists after another year of disruption to them.
“The Parade Viewing Events also give us the opportunity to bring Mardi Gras celebrations to regional and interstate communities during a time when traveling to Sydney may not be an option for everyone,” Kruger said.
Last year, the grants generated over $300,000 in revenue across 30 grant recipients, and supported events which recorded over 7000 attendees. More than 220 staff were employed to run the Mardi Gras Parade viewing events, and over 200 performers and artists were employed because of the grants.
The venues ranged from Cairns to Broken Hill and allowed the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to come together at regional and metropolitan events across the country.
Applications are now open and will close at 11:59pm on Sunday 30 January.
