Roving Performers to support our region’s creative recovery

Published on 18 February 2021

Mildura's CBD and riverfront precincts are coming alive to the sights and sounds of outdoor entertainment as part of the Roving Performers initiative.

A partnership between Council and Mildura City Heart, the project aims to stimulate the local economy by promoting and supporting outdoor dining and providing more opportunities for local artists to perform.

Mildura Mayor Jason Modica said Roving Performers would support the community in numerous ways.

"This is a great initiative providing even more reasons for locals and visitors to stop by our CBD and riverfront precincts and support the hard-working businesses in these areas," Cr Modica said.

"Importantly, it will also aid in our creative recovery given there are many local artists who've been hit hard by the venue and crowd restrictions of the past 12 months due to COVID-19. Many of these artists have had little or no income since March last year.

"And for our general community, it will provide an even greater experience dining out or getting take-away with the unique atmosphere that live entertainment creates.”

Council and Mildura City Heart are calling for local artists to become part of the project by applying for a Council Busking Permit, which is a quick and easy process, and free for performers who have public liability insurance. For those without public liability insurance, Council is offering support though the option to purchase 12 months coverage for less than $50.

For performers who already have a permit, contact Council to register your interest.

Artists will be able to perform in a range of locations within the Mildura City Heart area from Thursday to Saturday from 6pm while riverfront precinct acts will perform on Saturdays and Sundays during the day.

As an added support, Council aims to give each registered busker a paid gig over the 16-week duration of the program, which runs through until early June this year.

Artists don't need to be professionals, and there is no audition process. Music students, community groups, poets, soloists, duos, groups and other acts are encouraged to be part of Roving Performers.

Performers who wish to apply for a Busking Permit can visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/ Busking. Buskers wishing to be part of the Roving Performers program are asked to indicate their interest in the initiative during the permit registration process.

Roving Performers is a COVID recovery initiative funded by the Victorian Government's Local Councils Outdoor Eating and Entertainment package.

Artists seeking more information can contact Community Place Making Officer Jill Antonie on (03) 5018 8100 or [email protected]   

ENDS